Alpha2C adrenoreceptor agonists

ABSTRACT

In its many embodiments, the present invention relates to a novel class of phenylmorpholine and phenylthiomorpholine compounds useful as α2C adrenergic receptor agonists, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more diseases associated with the α2C adrenergic receptor agonists using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/711,453, filed on Aug. 25, 2005, herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to phenylmorpholine and phenylthiomorpholine compounds useful as α2C adrenergic receptor agonists, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of treatment and prevention using the compounds and compositions to treat disease states such as congestion (including nasal congestion), migraine, congestive heart failure, cardiac ischemia, pain, glaucoma, and psychotic disorders without substantial adverse side effects associated with α2A receptor agonist treatments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The initial classification of adrenergic receptors into α- and β-families was first described by Ahlquist in 1948 (Ahlquist RP, “A Study of the Adrenergic Receptors,” Am. J. Physiol. 153:586-600 (1948)). Functionally, the α-adrenergic receptors were shown to be associated with most of the excitatory functions (vasoconstriction, stimulation of the uterus and pupil dilation) and B-adrenergic receptors were implicated in vasodilation, bronchodilation and myocardial stimulation (Lands et al., “Differentiation of Receptor Systems Activated by Sympathomimetic amines,” Nature 214:597-598 (1967)). Since this early work, α-adrenergic receptors have been subdivided into α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors. Cloning and expression of α-adrenergic receptors have confirmed the presence of multiple subtypes of both α1-(α1A, α1B, α1D) and α2-(α2A, α2B, α2C) adrenergic receptors (Michel et al., “Classification of α₁-Adrenoceptor Subtypes,” Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch. Pharmacol, 352:1-10 (1995); Macdonald et al., “Gene Targeting—Homing in on α₂-Adrenoceptor-Subtype Function,” TIPS, 18:211-219 (1997)).

Current therapeutic uses of α2 adrenergic receptor drugs involve the ability of those drugs to mediate many of the physiological actions of the endogenous catecholamines. There are many drugs that act on these receptors to control hypertension, intraocular pressure, eye reddening and nasal congestion and induce analgesia and anesthesia.

α2 adrenergic receptors can be found in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, and are known to respond to the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and the antihypertensive drug clonidine to decrease sympathetic outflow and reduce arterial blood pressure (Bousquet et al., “Role of the Ventral Surface of the Brain Stem in the Hypothesive Action of Clonidine,” Eur. J. Pharmacol., 34:151-156 (1975); Bousquet et al., “Imidazoline Receptors: From Basic Concepts to Recent Developments,” 26:S1-S6 (1995)). Clonidine and other imidazolines also bind to imidazoline receptors (formerly called imidazoline-guanidinium receptive sites or IGRS) (Bousquet et al., “Imidazoline Receptors: From Basic Concepts to Recent Developments,” 26:S1-S6 (1995)). Some researchers have speculated that the central and peripheral effects of imidazolines as hypotensive agents may be related to imidazoline receptors (Bousquet et al., “Imidazoline Receptors: From Basic Concepts to Recent Developments,” 26:S1-S6 (1995); Reis et al., “The Imidazoline Receptor: Pharmacology, Functions, Ligands, and Relevance to Biology and Medicine,” Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 763:1-703 (1995).

Compounds which have adrenergic activity are well known in the art, and are described in numerous patents and scientific publications. The two main families of adrenergic receptor are termed alpha adrenergic receptors and beta adrenergic receptors in the art, and each of these two families is known to have subtypes, which are designated by letters of the alphabet, such as α2A, α2B, and α2C. It is generally known that adrenergic activity is useful for treating animals of the mammalian species, including humans, for curing or alleviating the symptoms and conditions of numerous diseases and conditions. In other words, it is generally accepted in the art that pharmaceutical compositions having an adrenergic compound or compounds as the active ingredient are useful for treating, among other things, glaucoma, chronic pain, migraines, heart failure, and psychotic disorders. It is also known that compounds having adrenergic activity, such as α2A agonists, may be associated with undesirable side effects. Examples of such side effects include hyper-and hypotension, sedation, locomotor activity, and body temperature variations.

It has been discovered in accordance with the present invention that adrenergic compounds that act selectively, and preferably even specifically, as agonists of the α2C or the α2B/α2C (hereinafter referred to as α2C or α2B/2C) receptor subtypes in preference over the α2A receptor subtype, with adrenergic compounds that are functionally selective agonists of the α2C receptor subtype in preference over the α2A receptor subtype and α2B/2C receptor subtype, possess desirable therapeutic properties associated with adrenergic receptors but without having one or more undesirable side effects such as changes in blood pressure (e.g., a hypertensive or hypotensive effect) or sedation. For the purposes of this present invention, a compound is defined to be an active agonist of the α2C receptor subtype if the compound's efficacy at the α2C receptor is ≧30% E_(max) (GTPγS assay). A compound is a functionally selective agonist of the α2C receptor subtype over the α2A receptor subtype if the compound's efficacy at the α2C receptor is ≧30% E_(max) (GTPγS assay) and its efficacy at the α2A receptor is ≧30% E_(max) (GTPγS assay).

There is a need for new compounds, formulations, treatments and therapies to treat diseases and disorders associated with α2C adrenergic receptors. Furthermore, there is a need to develop compounds that are functionally selective for the α2C receptor subtype with respect to the α2A receptor subtype or the α2B/α2C receptor subtype. It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide compounds useful in the treatment or prevention or amelioration of such diseases and disorders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of heterocyclic compounds as active or functionally selective α2C adrenergic receptor agonists or metabolites, stereoisomers (e.g., enantiomers or diasteromers) salts, solvates or polymorphs thereof, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition or amelioration of one or more conditions associated with α2C receptors using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions.

In one aspect, the present application discloses a compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or metabolites, solvates or polymorphs of said compound, said compound having the general structure shown in Formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or metabolite, solvate or polymorph of said compound, wherein:

A is a 5-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms, and is substituted with at least one R⁵;

X is —O—, —S(O)_(p)—, or —N(R⁶)—;

J¹, J², J³, and J⁴ are independently —N—, —N(O)— or —C(R²)—, provided that 0-3 of J¹, J², J³ and J⁴ are —N—;

R² is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷RE^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵;

Y is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR⁷—, C(═O)O—, —C(═N)R⁷)—, —C(═NOR⁷)—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷O—, —S(O)_(p)—, SO₂NR⁷—, and —C(S)NR⁷—;

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and (═O), and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵, provided that when n is 3 or 4, no more than 2 of the R³ groups may be (═O);

R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵;

R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂,—NR⁷R^(7′), —SR⁷, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —S(O)_(p)R⁷ substituents;

R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents, and —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁷ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′);

R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents;

R^(7′) is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; or

-   -   R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the nitrogen atom to which they are         attached form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl or         heteroaryl ring having, in addition to the N atom, 1 or 2         additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of O,         N, —N(R⁹)— and S, wherein said rings are optionally substituted         by 1 to 5 independently selected R⁵ moieties,

R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents;

R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(O)—R¹⁰, —C(O)—OR¹⁰, and —S(O)_(p)—OR¹⁰ and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; and

R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents;

R¹¹ is a moiety independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl;

m is 1-5;

n is 1-3;

p is 0-2;

q is 0-6; and

w is 0-4.

The compounds of Formula I can be useful as α2C adrenergic receptor agonists, and can be useful in the treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis, all types of congestion (including, but not limited to nasal congestion), migraine, congestive heart failure, cardiac ischemia, glaucoma, and psychotic disorders. Further, the compounds of Formula I can be useful in the treatment of pain (both chronic and acute), such as pain that is caused by inflammation, neuropathy, arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes (e.g., diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus) or pain of an unknown origin. Other pain that can be treated is nociceptive pain and pain that is visceral in origin or pain that is secondary to inflammation or nerve damage in other diseases. Other utilities for the inventive compounds could include stress-induced urinary incontinence and neuronal damage from ischemia.

Alternatively, the present invention provides for a method for the treatment of congestion in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to a mammal an effective dose of at least one compound having adrenergic activity wherein said compound is a functionally selective agonist of the α2c receptor.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for the treatment of congestion in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to a mammal an effective dose of at least one compound having adrenergic activity wherein said compound is a selective agonist of the α2c adrenergic receptor, wherein the functional selective agonist of the α2c receptor has an efficacy that is greated than or equal to 30% E_(max) when assayed in the GTPγS assay.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for the treatment of congestion in a mammal in need thereof without modifying the systemic blood pressure at therapeutic doses which comprises administering to the mammal an effective dose of at least one compound having adrenergic activity wherein said compound is a functionally selective agonist of the α2c receptor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses certain heterocyclic compounds which are represented by structural Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein the various moieties are as described above.

In another embodiment, if J¹-J⁴ are each —C(H)—, n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, A is 1H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(═O)-naphthyl.

In another embodiment, if J¹-J⁴ are each —C(H)—, n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, A is 1H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —S(O₂)-naphthyl.

In another embodiment, if J¹, J², and J⁴ are each —C(H)—, J³ is —C(Br)—, n is 2, m is 1, R³ is 3-benzyl, R⁴ is H, A is 1H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(O₂)benzyl.

In another embodiment, J¹-J⁴ are each —C(R²)—, n is 1, A is imidazolyl, and X is —O—.

In another embodiment, J¹-J⁴ are each —C(H)—, n is 1, A is imidazolyl, and X is —O—.

In another embodiment, J¹-J⁴ are each —C(R²)—, n is 1, A is imidazolyl, and X is —N(R⁶)—.

In another embodiment, J¹-J⁴ are each —C(R²)—, n is 1, A is imidazolyl, and X is —S(O)_(p)—.

In another embodiment, R² is independently selected from H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷) (OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂, alkyl, alkoxy and polyhaloalkoxy.

In another embodiment, R³ is independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵.

In another embodiment, R³ is independently selected from H, alkyl and haloalkyl.

In another embodiment, R⁴ is independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵.

In another embodiment, R⁴ is independently selected from H, alkyl, allyl, and haloalkyl.

In another embodiment, R⁵ is independently selected from H, halo, —NR⁷R^(7′), SR⁷, alkyl, and alkoxy.

In another embodiment, R⁶ is independently selected from H, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁷ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′).

In another embodiment, R⁷ is independently chosen from H, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, R^(7′) is independently chosen from H, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the N atom to which they are attached form a aziridine, azetidine, pyrrole, pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine or morpholine ring, each of which are optionally substituted by R⁵.

In another embodiment, R⁸ is independently chosen from alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, m is 1 or 2.

In another embodiment, n is 1 or 2.

In another embodiment, n is 1.

In another embodiment, q is 0, 1, 2, or 3.

In another embodiment, the present invention discloses compounds which are represented by structural formulae II-V or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or ester thereof, wherein the various moieties are as described above:

wherein z is 0-3 and R¹ is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —SR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═C NR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷) (OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂ and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵.

An inventive group of compounds is shown in below:

As used above, and throughout this disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

“Patient” includes both human and animals.

“Mammal” means humans and other mammalian animals.

“Congestion” refers to all type of congestion including, but not limited to, congestion associated with perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, sinusitis, acute rhinosinusitis, or chronic rhinosinusitis or when the congestion is caused by polyps or is virally induced, such as congestion associated with the common cold.

“Alkyl” means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group which may be straight or branched and comprising about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms in the chain. Preferred alkyl groups contain about 1 to about 12 carbon atoms in the chain. More preferred alkyl groups contain about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain. Branched means that one or more lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, are attached to a linear alkyl chain. “Lower alkyl” means a group having about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain which may be straight or branched. The term “substituted alkyl” means that the alkyl group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, amino, —NH(alkyl), —NH(cycloalkyl), —N(alkyl)₂, carboxy and —C(O)O-alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl and t-butyl.

“Alkynyl” means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond and which may be straight or branched and comprising about 2 to about 15 carbon atoms in the chain. Preferred alkynyl groups have about 2 to about 12 carbon atoms in the chain; and more preferably about 2 to about 4 carbon atoms in the chain. Branched means that one or more lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, are attached to a linear alkynyl chain. “Lower alkynyl” means about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain which may be straight or branched. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl, 2-butynyl and 3-methylbutynyl. The term “substituted alkynyl” means that the alkynyl group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl and cycloalkyl.

“Aryl” means an aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 6 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably about 6 to about 10 carbon atoms. The aryl group can be optionally substituted with one or more “ring system substituents” which may be the same or different, and are as defined herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl.

“Heteroaryl” means an aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 5 to about 14 ring atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 ring atoms, in which one or more of the ring atoms is an element other than carbon, for example nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, alone or in combination. Preferred heteroaryls contain about 5 to about 6 ring atoms. The “heteroaryl” can be optionally substituted by one or more “ring system substituents” which may be the same or different, and are as defined herein. The prefix aza, oxa or thia before the heteroaryl root name means that at least a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom respectively, is present as a ring atom. A nitrogen atom of a heteroaryl can be optionally oxidized to the corresponding N-oxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable heteroaryls include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrimidinyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, furazanyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, quinoxalinyl, phthalazinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, imidazo[2,1-b]thiazolyl, benzofurazanyl, indolyl, azaindolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothienyl, quinolinyl, imidazolyl, thienopyridyl, quinazolinyl, thienopyrimidyl, pyrrolopyridyl, imidazopyridyl, isoquinolinyl, benzoazaindolyl, 1,2,4-triazinyl, benzothiazolyl and the like.

“Aralkyl” or “arylalkyl” means an aryl-alkyl- group in which the aryl and alkyl are as previously described. Preferred aralkyls comprise a lower alkyl group. Non-limiting examples of suitable aralkyl groups include benzyl, 2-phenethyl and naphthalenylmethyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkyl.

“Alkylaryl” means an alkyl-aryl- group in which the alkyl and aryl are as previously described. Preferred alkylaryls comprise a lower alkyl group. Non-limiting example of a suitable alkylaryl group is tolyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the aryl.

“Cycloalkyl” means a non-aromatic mono- or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms. Preferred cycloalkyl rings contain about 5 to about 7 ring atoms. The cycloalkyl can be optionally substituted with one or more “ring system substituents” which may be the same or different, and are as defined above. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic cycloalkyls include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable multicyclic cycloalkyls include 1-decalinyl, norbornyl, adamantyl and the like.

“Halogen” and “Halo” mean fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. Preferred are fluorine, chlorine or bromine, and more preferred are fluorine and chlorine.

“Ring system substituent” means a substituent attached to an aromatic or non-aromatic ring system which, for example, replaces an available hydrogen on the ring system. Ring system substituents may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, heteroaralkyl, alkylheteroaryl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, Y₁Y₂N—, Y₁Y₂N-alkyl-, Y₁Y₂NC(O)— and Y₁Y₂NSO₂—, wherein Y₁. and Y₂ may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, and aralkyl.

“Heterocyclyl” means a non-aromatic saturated monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 ring atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 ring atoms, in which one or more of the atoms in the ring system is an element other than carbon, for example nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, alone or in combination. There are no adjacent oxygen and/or sulfur atoms present in the ring system. Preferred heterocyclyls contain about 5 to about 6 ring atoms. The prefix aza, oxa or thia before the heterocyclyl root name means that at least a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom respectively is present as a ring atom. Any —NH in a heterocyclyl ring may exist protected such as, for example, as an —N(Boc), —N(CBz), —N(Tos) group and the like; such protected moieties are also considered part of this invention. The heterocyclyl can be optionally substituted by one or more “ring system substituents” which may be the same or different, and are as defined herein. The nitrogen or sulfur atom of the heterocyclyl can be optionally oxidized to the corresponding N-oxide, S-oxide or S,S-dioxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic heterocyclyl rings include piperidyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, 1,4-dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, and the like.

It should be noted that in heterocyclyl ring systems of this invention, there are no hydroxyl groups on carbon atoms adjacent to a N, O or S, as well as there are no N or S groups on carbon adjacent to another heteroatom. Thus, for example, in the ring:

there is no —OH attached directly to carbons marked 2 and 5.

“Alkynylalkyl” means an alkynyl-alkyl- group in which the alkynyl and alkyl are as previously described. Preferred alkynylalkyls contain a lower alkynyl and a lower alkyl group. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkynylalkyl groups include propargylmethyl.

“Heteroaralkyl” means a heteroaryl-alkyl- group in which the heteroaryl and alkyl are as previously described. Preferred heteroaralkyls contain a lower alkyl group. Non-limiting examples of suitable aralkyl groups include pyridylmethyl, and quinolin-3-ylmethyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkyl.

“Heterocyclylalkyl” means a heterocyclyl-alkyl group in which the heterocyclyl and the alkyl are as previously described. Preferred heterocyclylalkyls contain a lower alkyl group, Non-limiting examples of suitable heterocyclylalkyl groups include piperidylmethyl, piperidylethyl, pyrrolidylmethyl, morpholinylpropyl, piperazinylethyl, azindylmethyl, azetidylethyl, oxiranylpropyl and the like. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkyl group.

“Heterocyclenyl” (or “heterocycloalkeneyl”) means a non-aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 ring atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 ring atoms, in which one or more of the atoms in the ring system is an element other than carbon, for example nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom, alone or in combination, and which contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond or carbon-nitrogen double bond. There are no adjacent oxygen and/or sulfur atoms present in the ring system. Preferred heterocyclenyl rings contain about 5 to about 6 ring atoms. The prefix aza, oxa or thia before the heterocyclenyl root name means that at least a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom respectively is present as a ring atom. The heterocyclenyl can be optionally substituted by one or more ring system substituents, wherein “ring system substituent” is as defined above. The nitrogen or sulfur atom of the heterocyclenyl can be optionally oxidized to the corresponding N-oxide, S-oxide or S,S-dioxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic azaheterocyclenyl groups include 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridyl, 1,2-dihydropyridyl, 1,4-dihydropyridyl, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridyl, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidyl, 2-pyrrolinyl, 3-pyrrolinyl, 2-imidazolinyl, 2-pyrazolinyl, and the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable oxaheterocyclenyl groups include 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran, dihydrofuranyl, fluorodihydrofuranyl, and the like. Non-limiting example of a suitable multicyclic oxaheterocyclenyl group is 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptenyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic thiaheterocyclenyl rings include dihydrothiophenyl, dihydrothiopyranyl, and the like.

“Hydroxyalkyl” means a HO-alkyl- group in which alkyl is as previously defined. Preferred hydroxyalkyls contain lower alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable hydroxyalkyl groups include hydroxymethyl and 2-hydroxyethyl.

“Acyl” means an organic acid group in which the —OH of the carboxyl group is replaced by some other substituent. Suitable non-limiting examples include H—C(O)—, alkyl-C(O)—, cycloalkyl-C(O)—, heterocyclyl-C(O)—, and heteroaryl-C(O)— groups in which the various groups are as previously described. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl. Preferred acyls contain a lower alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable acyl groups include formyl, acetyl and propanoyl.

“Aroyl” means an aryl-C(O)— group in which the aryl group is as previously described. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable groups include benzoyl and 1-naphthoyl.

“Alkoxy” means an alkyl-O— group in which the alkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy and n-butoxy. The bond to the parent moiety is through the ether oxygen.

“Aryloxy” means an aryl-O— group in which the aryl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable aryloxy groups include phenoxy and naphthoxy. The bond to the parent moiety is through the ether oxygen.

“Aralkyloxy” means an aralkyl-O— group in which the aralkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable aralkyloxy groups include benzyloxy and 1- or 2-naphthalenemethoxy. The bond to the parent moiety is through the ether oxygen.

“Alkylthio” means an alkyl-S— group in which the alkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkylthio groups include methylthio and ethylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur.

“Arylthio” means an aryl-S— group in which the aryl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable arylthio groups include phenylthio and naphthylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur.

“Aralkylthio” means an aralkyl-S— group in which the aralkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting example of a suitable aralkylthio group is benzylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur.

“Alkoxycarbonyl” means an alkyl-O—CO— group. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkoxycarbonyl groups include methoxycarbonyl and ethoxycarbonyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl.

“Aryloxycarbonyl” means an aryl-O—C(O)— group. Non-limiting examples of suitable aryloxycarbonyl groups include phenoxycarbonyl and naphthoxycarbonyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl.

“Aralkoxycarbonyl” means an aralkyl-O—C(O)— group. Non-limiting example of a suitable aralkoxycarbonyl group is benzyloxycarbonyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl.

“Alkylsulfonyl” means an alkyl-S(O₂)— group. Preferred groups are those in which the alkyl group is lower alkyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfonyl.

“Arylsulfonyl” means an aryl-S(O₂)— group. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfonyl.

The term “substituted” means that one or more hydrogens on the designated atom is replaced with a selection from the indicated group, provided that the designated atom's normal valency under the existing circumstances is not exceeded, and that the substitution results in a stable compound. Combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds. By “stable compound” or “stable structure” is meant a compound that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree of purity from a reaction mixture, and formulation into an efficacious therapeutic agent.

It is noted that carbons of formula I can be replaced with 1-3 silicon atoms, provided all valency requirements are satisfied.

The term “optionally substituted” means optional substitution with the specified groups, radicals or moieties.

It should also be noted that any heteroatom with unsatisfied valences in the text, schemes, examples and Tables herein is assumed to have the hydrogen atom to satisfy the valences.

When a functional group in a compound is termed “protected”, this means that the group is in modified form to preclude undesired side reactions at the protected site when the compound is subjected to a reaction. Suitable protecting groups will be recognized by those with ordinary skill in the art as well as by reference to standard textbooks such as, for example, T. W. Greene et al, Protective Groups in organic Synthesis (1991), Wiley, New York.

When any variable (e.g., aryl, heterocycle, R², etc.) occurs more than one time in any constituent or formula, its definition on each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other occurrence.

As used herein, the term “composition” is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

Prodrugs and solvates of the compounds of the invention are also contemplated herein. The term “prodrug”, as employed herein, denotes a compound that is a drug precursor which, upon administration to a subject, undergoes chemical conversion by metabolic or chemical processes to yield a compound of formula I or a salt and/or solvate thereof. A discussion of prodrugs is provided in T. Higuchi and V. Stella, Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems (1987) Volume 14 of the A.C.S. Symposium Series, and in Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, (1987) Edward B. Roche, ed., American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, both of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

For example, if a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate or solvate of the compound contains a carboxylic acid functional group, a prodrug can comprise an ester formed by the replacement of the hydrogen atom of the acid group with a group such as, for example, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₂)alkanoyloxymethyl, 1-(alkanoyloxy)ethyl having from 4 to 9 carbon atoms, 1-methyl-1-(alkanoyloxy)-ethyl having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonyloxymethyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, 1-(alkoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms, 1-methyl-1-(alkoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl having from 5 to 8 carbon atoms, N-(alkoxycarbonyl)aminomethyl having from 3 to 9 carbon atoms, 1-(N-(alkoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, 3-phthalidyl, 4-crotonolactonyl, gamma-butyrolacton-4-yl, di-N,N—(C₁-C₂)alkylamino(C₂-C₃)alkyl (such as β-dimethylaminoethyl), carbamoyl-(C₁-C₂)alkyl, N,N-di (C₁-C₂)alkylcarbamoyl-(C₁-C₂)alkyl and piperidino-, pyrrolidino- or morpholino(C₂-C₃)alkyl, and the like.

Similarly, if a compound of Formula (I) contains an alcohol functional group, a prodrug can be formed by the replacement of the hydrogen atom of the alcohol group with a group such as, for example, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxymethyl, 1-((C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy)ethyl, 1-methyl-1-((C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy)ethyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxycarbonyloxymethyl, N—(C₁-C₆)alkoxycarbonylaminomethyl, succinoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, α-amino(C₁-C₄)alkanyl, arylacyl and α-aminoacyl, or α-aminoacyl-α-aminoacyl, where each α-aminoacyl group is independently selected from the naturally occurring L-amino acids, —P(O)(OH)₂, —P(O)(O(C₁-C₆)alkyl)₂ or glycosyl (the radical resulting from the removal of a hydroxyl group of the hemiacetal form of a carbohydrate), and the like.

If a compound of Formula I incorporates a —NH— functional group, such as a in a primary or secondary amine or in a nitrogen-containing heterocycle, such as imidazole or piperazine ring, a prodrug can be formed by the replacement of a hydrogen atom in the amine group with a group such as, for example, R-carbonyl, RO-carbonyl, NRR′-carbonyl where R and R′ are each independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₃-C₇) cycloalkyl, benzyl, or R-carbonyl is a natural α-aminoacyl or natural α-aminoacyl, —C(OH)C(O)OY¹ wherein Y¹ is H, (C₁-C₆)alkyl or benzyl, —C(OY²)Y³ wherein Y² is (C₁-C₄) alkyl and y³ is (C₁-C₆)alkyl, carboxy (C₁-C₆)alkyl, amino(C₁-C₄)alkyl or mono-N— or di-N,N—(C₁-C₆)alkylaminoalkyl, —C(Y⁴)Y⁵ wherein y⁴ is H or methyl and Y⁵ is mono-N— or di-N,N—(C₁-C₆)alkylamino morpholino, piperidin-1-yl or pyrrolidin-1-yl, and the like.

“Effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” is meant to describe an amount of compound or a composition of the present invention effective in producing the desired therapeutic, ameliorative, inhibitory or preventative effect.

“Capsule” is meant to describe a special container or enclosure made of methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohols, or denatured gelatins or starch for holding or containing compositions comprising the active ingredients. Hard shell capsules are typically made of blends of relatively high gel strength bone and pork skin gelatins. The capsule itself may contain small amounts of dyes, opaquing agents, plasticizers and preservatives.

“Tablet” is meant to describe a compressed or molded solid dosage form containing the active ingredients with suitable diluents. The tablet can be prepared by compression of mixtures or granulations obtained by wet granulation, dry granulation or by compaction.

“Oral gels” is meant to describe to the active ingredients dispersed or solubilized in a hydrophillic semi-solid matrix.

“Powders for constitution” refers to powder blends containing the active ingredients and suitable diluents which can be suspended in water or juices.

“Diluent” refers to substances that usually make up the major portion of the composition or dosage form. Suitable diluents include sugars such as lactose, sucrose, mannitol and sorbitol; starches derived from wheat, corn, rice and potato; and celluloses such as microcrystalline cellulose. The amount of diluent in the composition can range from about 10 to about 90% by weight of the total composition, preferably from about 25 to about 75%, more preferably from about 30 to about 60% by weight, even more preferably from about 12 to about 60%.

“Disintegrants” refers to materials added to the composition to help it break apart (disintegrate) and release the medicaments. Suitable disintegrants include starches; “cold water soluble” modified starches such as sodium carboxymethyl starch; natural and synthetic gums such as locust bean, karaya, guar, tragacanth and agar; cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose; microcrystalline celluloses and cross-linked microcrystalline celluloses such as sodium croscarmellose; alginates such as alginic acid and sodium alginate; clays such as bentonites; and effervescent mixtures. The amount of disintegrant in the composition can range from about 2 to about 15% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 4 to about 10% by weight.

“Binders” refers to substances that bind or “glue” powders together and make them cohesive by forming granules, thus serving as the “adhesive” in the formulation. Binders add cohesive strength already available in the diluent or bulking agent. Suitable binders include sugars such as sucrose; starches derived from wheat, corn rice and potato; natural gums such as acacia, gelatin and tragacanth; derivatives of seaweed such as alginic acid, sodium alginate and ammonium calcium alginate; cellulosic materials such as methylcellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; polyvinylpyrrolidone; and inorganics such as magnesium aluminum silicate. The amount of binder in the composition can range from about 2 to about 20% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 3 to about 10% by weight, even more preferably from about 3 to about 6% by weight.

“Lubricant” is meant to describe a substance added to the dosage form to enable the tablet, granules, etc. after it has been compressed, to release from the mold or die by reducing friction or wear. Suitable lubricants include metallic stearates such as magnesium stearate, calcium stearate or potassium stearate; stearic acid; high melting point waxes; and water soluble lubricants such as sodium chloride, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium oleate, polyethylene glycols and d'l-leucine. Lubricants are usually added at the very last step before compression, since they must be present on the surfaces of the granules and in between them and the parts of the tablet press. The amount of lubricant in the composition can range from about 0.2 to about 5% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.5 to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.3 to about 1.5% by weight.

“Glidents” means materials that prevent caking and improve the flow characteristics of granulations, so that flow is smooth and uniform. Suitable glidents include silicon dioxide and talc. The amount of glident in the composition can range from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the total composition, preferably from about 0.5 to about 2% by weight.

“Coloring agents” refers to excipients that provide coloration to the composition or the dosage form. Such excipients can include food grade dyes and food grade dyes adsorbed onto a suitable adsorbent such as clay or aluminum oxide. The amount of the coloring agent can vary from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.1 to about 1%.

“Bioavailability” refers to the rate and extent to which the active drug ingredient or therapeutic moiety is absorbed into the systemic circulation from an administered dosage form as compared to a standard or control. Conventional methods for preparing tablets are known. Such methods include dry methods such as direct compression and compression of granulation produced by compaction, or wet methods or other special procedures. Conventional methods for making other forms for administration such as, for example, capsules, suppositories and the like are also well known.

The compounds of Formula I can form salts which are also within the scope of this invention. Reference to a compound of Formula I herein is understood to include reference to salts thereof, unless otherwise indicated. The term “salt(s)”, as employed herein, denotes acidic salts formed with inorganic and/or organic acids, as well as basic salts formed with inorganic and/or organic bases. In addition, when a compound of Formula III contains both a basic moiety, such as, but not limited to a pyridine or imidazole, and an acidic moiety, such as, but not limited to a carboxylic acid, zwitterions (“inner salts”) may be formed and are included within the term “salt(s)” as used herein. Pharmaceutically acceptable (i.e., non-toxic, physiologically acceptable) salts are preferred, although other salts are also useful. Salts of the compounds of the Formula I may be formed, for example, by reacting a compound of Formula I with an amount of acid or base, such as an equivalent amount, in a medium such as one in which the salt precipitates or in an aqueous medium followed by lyophilization.

Exemplary acid addition salts include acetates, ascorbates, benzoates, benzenesulfonates, bisulfates, borates, butyrates, citrates, camphorates, camphorsulfonates, fumarates, hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, hydroiodides, lactates, maleates, methanesulfonates, naphthalenesulfonates, nitrates, oxalates, phosphates, propionates, salicylates, succinates, sulfates, tartarates, thiocyanates, toluenesulfonates (also known as tosylates,) and the like. Additionally, acids which are generally considered suitable for the formation of pharmaceutically useful salts from basic pharmaceutical compounds are discussed, for example, by S. Berge et al, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (1977) 66(1) 1-19; P. Gould, Intemational J. of Pharmaceutics (1986) 33 201-217; Anderson et al, The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry (1996), Academic Press, New York; and in The Orange Book (Food & Drug Administration, Washington, D.C. on their website). These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Exemplary basic salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium, lithium, and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium salts, salts with organic bases (for example, organic amines) such as dicyclohexylamines, t-butyl amines, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine and the like. Basic nitrogen-containing groups may be quarternized with agents such as lower alkyl halides (e.g. methyl, ethyl, and butyl chlorides, bromides and iodides), dialkyl sulfates (e.g. dimethyl, diethyl, and dibutyl sulfates), long chain halides (e.g. decyl, lauryl, and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides), aralkyl halides (e.g. benzyl and phenethyl bromides), and others.

All such acid salts and base salts are intended to be pharmaceutically acceptable salts within the scope of the invention and all acid and base salts are considered equivalent to the free forms of the corresponding compounds for purposes of the invention.

Compounds of Formula I, and salts, solvates and prodrugs thereof, may exist in their tautomeric form (for example, as an amide or imino ether). All such tautomeric forms are contemplated herein as part of the present invention.

All stereoisomers (for example, geometric isomers, optical isomers and the like) of the present compounds (including those of the salts, solvates and prodrugs of the compounds as well as the salts and solvates of the prodrugs), such as those which may exist due to asymmetric carbons or sulfurs on various substituents, including enantiomeric forms (which may exist even in the absence of asymmetric carbons), rotameric forms, atropisomers, and diastereomeric forms, are contemplated within the scope of this invention. For example, if a compound of Formula (I) incorporates a double bond or a fused ring, both the cis- and trans-forms, as well as mixtures, are embraced within the scope of the invention. Individual stereoisomers of the compounds of the invention may, for example, be substantially free of other isomers, or may be admixed, for example, as racemates or with all other, or other selected, stereoisomers. The chiral centers of the present invention can have the S or R configuration as defined by the IUPAC 1974 Recommendations. The use of the terms “salt”, “solvate” “prodrug” and the like, is intended to equally apply to the salt, solvate and prodrug of enantiomers, stereoisomers, rotamers, tautomers, racemates or prodrugs of the inventive compounds.

Diasteromeric mixtures can be separated into their individual diastereomers on the basis of their physical chemical differences by methods well known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, by chromatography and/or fractional crystallization. Enantiomers can be separated by converting the enantiomeric mixture into a diasteromeric mixture by reaction with an appropriate optically active compound (e.g., chiral auxiliary such as a chiral alcohol or Mosher's acid chloride), separating the diastereomers and converting (e.g., hydrolyzing) the individual diastereomers to the corresponding pure enantiomers. Also, some of the compounds of Formula (I) may be atropisomers (e.g., substituted biaryls) and are considered as part of this invention. Enantiomers can also be separated by use of chiral HPLC column.

Polymorphic forms of the compounds of formula I, and of the salts, solvates and prodrugs of the compounds of formula I, are intended to be included in the present invention

The present invention also embraces isotopically-labelled compounds of the present invention which are identical to those recited herein, but for the fact that one or more atoms are replaced by an atom having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number usually found in nature. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds of the invention include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, fluorine and chlorine, such as ²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, ¹⁷O, ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F, and ³⁶Cl, respectively.

Certain isotopically-labelled compounds of Formula (I) (e.g., those labeled with ³H, ¹¹C and ¹⁴C) are useful in compound and/or substrate tissue distribution assays. Tritiated (i.e., ³H) and carbon-14 (i.e., ¹⁴C) isotopes are particularly preferred for their ease of preparation and detectability. Further, substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium (i.e., ²H) may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability (e.g., increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements) and hence may be preferred in some circumstances. Isotopically labelled compounds of Formula (I) can generally be prepared by following procedures analogous to those disclosed in the Schemes and/or in the Examples hereinbelow, by substituting an appropriate isotopically labelled reagent for a non-isotopically labelled reagent.

The compounds according to the invention have pharmacological properties; in particular, the compounds of Formula I can be useful as α2C adrenoreceptor agonists.

A preferred dosage is about 0.001 to 500 mg/kg of body weight/day of the compound of Formula I. An especially preferred dosage is about 0.01 to 25 mg/kg of body weight/day of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.

The compounds of this invention may also be useful in combination (administered together or sequentially) with one or more therapeutic agents such as, for example, steroids, PDE-4 inhibitors, anti-muscarinic agents, cromolyn sodium, H₁ receptor antagonists, 5-HT₁ agonists, NSAIDs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor agonists, β-blockers, β-agonists (including both short and long acting), leukotriene antagonists, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, ionotropic agents, natriuretic peptides, pain management/analgesic agents, anti-anxiety agents, anti-migraine agents, and therapeutic agents suitable for treating heart conditions, psychotic disorders, and glaucoma.

Suitable steroids include prednisolone, fluticasone (including all esters such as the propionate or furoate esters), triamcinolone, beclomethasone, mometasone (including any ester form such as mometasone furoate), budasamine, ciclesonide, betamethasone, dexamethasone, prednisone, flunisolide, and cortisone.

Suitable PDE-4 inhibitors include roflumilast, theophylline, rolipram, piclamilast, cilomilast, and CDP-840.

Suitable antiimuscarinic agents include ipratropium bromide and tiatropium bromide.

Suitable H₁ antagonists include astemizole, azatadine, azelastine, acrivastine, brompheniramine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, cyclizine, carebastine, cyproheptadine, carbinoxamine, descarboethoxyloratidine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, dimethindene, ebastine, epinastine, efletirizeine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, ketotifen, loratidine, levocabastine, meclizine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, ketotifen, loratadine, levocabastine, meclizine, mizolastine, mequitazine, mianserin, noberastine, norastemizole, picumast, pyrilamine, promethazine, terfenadine, tripelennamine, temelastine, trimeprazine or triprolidine.

Suitable anti-inflammatory agents include aspirin, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, piroxicam, sulindac, and tolmetin.

Suitable aldosterone antagonists include spironolactone.

Suitable ionotropic agents include digitalis.

Suitable angiotensin II receptor agonists include irbesartan and losartan.

Suitable diuretics include spironolactone, methyclothiazide, bumetanide, torsemide, hydroflumethiazide, trichlormethiazide, hydroclorothiazide, triamterene, ethacrynic acid, methyclothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, benzthiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, quinethazone, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, furosemide, indapamide, hydroclorothiazide, triamterene, trichlormethiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, amiloride HCl, amiloride HCl, metolazone, trichlormethiazide, bendroflumethiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, polythiazide, hydroflumethiazide, chlorthalidone, and metolazone.

Suitable pain management/analgesic agents include Celecoxib, amitriptyline, ibuprofen, naproxen, gabapentin, tramadol, rofecoxib, oxycodone HCl, acetaminophenoxycodone HCl, carbamazepine, diclofenac, diclofenac, etodolac, fenoprofen calcium, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac tromethamine, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin sodium, valdecoxib, diclofenac/misoprostol, oxycontin, vicodin, darvocet, morphine sulfate, dilaudid, stadol, stadol NS, acetaminophen with codeine, acetaminophen with codeine #4, Lidoderm® patches, and percocet.

Suitable β-blockers include acebutolol, atenolol, atenolol/chlorthalidone, betaxolol, bisoprolol fumarate, bisoprolol/HCTZ, labetolol, metoprolol tartrate, nadolol, pindolol, propranolol, propranolol/HCTZ, sotalol, and timolol.

Suitable β-agonists include dobutamine, ritodrine, salbutamol, levalbuterol, metaproternol, formoterol, fenoterol, bambuterol, brocaterol, clenbuterol, terbutaline, tulobuterol, epinephrine, isoprenalin, and hexoprenalin.

Suitable leukotriene antagonists include levamisole.

Suitable anti-migraine agents include rovatriptan succinate, naratriptan HCl, rizatriptan benzoate, sumatriptan succinate, zolmitriptan, almotriptan malate, methysergide maleate, dihydroergotamine mesylate, ergotamine tartrate, ergotamine tartrate/caffeine, Fioricet®, Fiorninal®, Depakene®, and Depakote®.

Suitable anti-anxiety and anti-depressant agents include amitriptyline HCl, bupropion HCl, citalopram hydrobromide, clomipramine HCl, desipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine maleate, maprotiline HCl, mirtazapine, nefazodone HCl, nortriptyline, paroxetine HCl, protriptyline HCl, sertraline HCl, doxepin, and trimipramine maleate.

Suitable angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors include Captopril, enalapril, enalapril/HCTZ, lisinopril, lisinopriVHCTZ, and Aceon®.

The pharmacological properties of the compounds of this invention may be confirmed by a number of pharmacological assays. The exemplified pharmacological assays which are described later have been carried out with the compounds according to the invention and their salts.

This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise at least one compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds described by this invention, inert, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. The powders and tablets may be comprised of from about 5 to about 95 percent active ingredient. Suitable solid carriers are known in the art, e.g., magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar or lactose. Tablets, powders, cachets and capsules can be used as solid dosage forms suitable for oral administration. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and methods of manufacture for various compositions may be found in A. Gennaro (ed.), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, ₁₈th Edition, (1990), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.

Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions and emulsions. As an example may be mentioned water or water-propylene glycol solutions for parenteral injection or addition of sweeteners and opacifiers for oral solutions, suspensions and emulsions. Liquid form preparations may also include solutions for intranasal administration.

Aerosol preparations suitable for inhalation may include solutions and solids in powder form, which may be in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as an inert compressed gas, e.g. nitrogen.

Also included are solid form preparations that are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for either oral or parenteral administration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions and emulsions.

The compounds of the invention may also be deliverable transdermally. The transdermal compositions can take the form of creams, lotions, aerosols and/or emulsions and can be included in a transdermal patch of the matrix or reservoir type as are conventional in the art for this purpose.

The compounds of this invention may also be delivered subcutaneously.

Preferably the compound is administered orally.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical preparation is in a unit dosage form. In such form, the preparation is subdivided into suitably sized unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component, e.g., an effective amount to achieve the desired purpose.

The quantity of active compound in a unit dose of preparation may be varied or adjusted from about 1 mg to about 100 mg, preferably from about 1 mg to about 50 mg, more preferably from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, according to the particular application.

The actual dosage employed may be varied depending upon the requirements of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated. Determination of the proper dosage regimen for a particular situation is within the skill of the art. For convenience, the total daily dosage may be divided and administered in portions during the day as required.

The amount and frequency of administration of the compounds of the invention and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof will be regulated according to the judgment of the attending clinician considering such factors as age, condition and size of the patient as well as severity of the symptoms being treated. A typical recommended daily dosage regimen for oral administration can range from about 1 mg/day to about 500 mg/day, preferably 1 mg/day to 200 mg/day, in two to four divided doses.

Another aspect of this invention is a kit comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle or diluent.

Yet another aspect of this invention is a kit comprising an amount of at least one compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and an amount of at least one therapeutic agent listed above, wherein the amounts of the two or more ingredients result in desired therapeutic effect.

The invention disclosed herein is exemplified by the following preparations and examples which should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. Alternative mechanistic pathways and analogous structures will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Where NMR data are presented, ¹H spectra were obtained on either a Varian VXR-200 (200 MHz, ¹H), Varian Gemini-300 (300 MHz), Varian Mercury VX-400 (400 MHz), or Bruker-Biospin AV-500 (500 MHz), and are reported as ppm with number of protons and multiplicities indicated parenthetically. Where LC/MS data are presented, analyses was performed using an Applied Biosystems API-100 mass spectrometer and C18 column, 10-95% CH₃CN—H₂O (with 0.05% TFA) gradient. The observed parent ion is given.

The following solvents and reagents may be referred to by their abbreviations in parenthesis:

-   Me=methyl; Et=ethyl; Pr=propyl; Bu=butyl; Ph=phenyl, and Ac=acetyl -   μl=microliters -   AcOEt or EtOAc=ethyl acetate -   AcOH or HOAc=acetic acid -   ACN=acetonitrile -   atm=atmosphere -   Boc or BOC=tert-butoxycarbonyl -   DCE=dichloroethane -   DCM or CH₂Cl₂: dichloromethane: -   DIPEA=diisopropylethylamine -   DMAP=4-dimethylaminopyridine -   DMF=dimethylformamide -   DMS=dimethylsulfide -   DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide -   EDCl=1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide -   Fmoc=9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl -   g=grams -   h=hour -   hal=halogen -   HOBt=1-hydroxybenzotriazole -   LAH=lithium aluminum hydride -   LCMS=liquid chromatography mass spectrometry -   min=minute -   mg=milligrams -   mL=milliliters -   mmol=millimoles -   MCPBA=3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid -   MeOH=methanol -   MS=mass spectrometry -   NMR=nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy -   RT or rt=room temperature (ambient, about 25° C.) -   TEA or Et₃N=triethylamine -   TFA=trifluoroacetic acid -   THF=tetrahydrofuran -   TLC=thin layer chromatography -   TMS=trimethylsilyl -   Tr=triphenylmethyl

EXAMPLES

The compounds of this invention can be prepared as generally described in Schemes 1 and 2, and the following examples. Scheme 1 shows an approach in which S1 and S2 are joined together. Examples of these approaches include reaction of S1 with an electrophilic S2 compound, where R′ is a carboxaldehyde (coupling by reductive amination), carboxylic acid (amide coupling) or halide (coupling by alkylation).

Scheme 2 discloses a general approach for synthesizing S1, whereby an appropriately substituted aniline S4 can be converted to S1 through a single or multistep ring cyclization approach.

Compounds of formula S3 can be prepared by the general methods outlined above. Specifically exemplified compounds were prepared from S4 or S1 fragments as described in the examples below or from starting materials known in the art.

The starting materials and reagents used in preparing compounds described are either available from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Co. (Wisconsin, USA) and Acros Organics Co. (New Jersey, USA) or were prepared by literature methods known to those skilled in the art. These examples are being provided to further illustrate the present invention. They are for illustrative purposes only; the scope of the invention is not to be considered limited in any way thereby.

Preparative Example 1

A solution of 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine 1A (0.1 g, 0.75 mmol) in DCE (10 mL) was treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehye 1B (0.11 g, 1.1 mmol), NaBH(OAc)₃ (0.47 g, 2.2 mmol), and ACOH (one drop) and stirred at 60° C. overnight. The reaction was then diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. Chromatography (0-4% 7 N NH₃-MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) provided 1 as a beige solid (0.08 g, 50%). LMCS m/z 216 (MH+).

Alternatively, the title compound 1 can be synthesized by the reaction of 1A and resin bound imidazole-4-carboxaldehye 1D as described below:

Novabiochem Resin 1C (100-200 mesh, 1% DVB, 1.4 mmol/g, 5 g) was suspended in anhydrous DMF (25 mL) and DCE (25 mL) and treated sequentially with 1B (2 g, 21 mmol) and TEA (2.96 mL, 21 mmol). The resin was shaken overnight and washed with DMF (3×), MeOH (3×), and DCM (4×) then dried in vacuo overnight. The resulting resin 1D (100 mg, 1.4 mmol/g, 0.14 mmol) was suspended in DCE (4 mL) and treated with 1A (94.5 mg, 0.7 mmol) and NaBH(OAc)₃ (148 mg, 0.7 mmol). The reaction was shaken overnight and washed with DMF (3×), MeOH (3×), and DCM (4×), then dried in vacuo. The resulting resin was subjected to 30% TFA/DCM, stirred at RT for 2 h and the mixture was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by Gilson prep-HPLC to afford compound 1 (12.3 mg).

Preparative Example 2

A solution of 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine (0.52 g, 3.8 mmol) and thiophene-3-acetic acid (0.82 g, 5.7 mmol) in 1:1 CH₂Cl₂:DMF (20 mL) was treated with DIPEA (2.6 ml, 15 mmol), HOBt (1.29 g, 9.5 mmol), and EDCI (1.83 g, 9.5 mmol) and stirred at 70° C. overnight. The reaction was then diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. Chromatography (0-10% 1 N NH₃-MeOH/EtOAc) provided 2A as a red solid (0.54 g, 55%)

Step 2

A solution of 2A (0.094 g, 0.36 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was treated with BH₃—SMe₂ (2M/THF, 0.27 mL, 0.54 mmol) and stirred at reflux for 2 h. The reaction was concentrated and subjected to chromatography (EtOAc) to provide 2 as a white solid (0.040 g, 45%). LMCS m/z 246 (MH+).

Preparative Example 3

A mixture of 2-amino-4-nitrophenol (3A, 25.03 g, 0.16 mol) in 4-methyl-2-pentanone and water (420 mL, 1:1) was treated with sodium bicarbonate (32.74 g, 0.39 mol), cooled to 0° C., and treated then with chloroacetyl chloride (15.52 mL, 0.19 mol). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux overnight. After cooling to RT, the mixture was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was diluted with water (200 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL), and filtered to give the pale gray solid 3B (26.05 g). The filtrate was separated and the aqueous was extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water, and dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum to give additional light gray solid 3B (7.7 g). The resulting solid (quantitative yield) was used for next reaction without further purification.

To compound 3B (6.76 g, 34.84 mmol) in anhydrous THF (200 mL) was added BH₃—SMe₂ (2.0M/THF, 35 mL, 69.68 mmol). The mixture was heated to reflux for 2 h. After cooling to RT, the mixture was quenched with MeOH (10 ml) and heated to reflux for another 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (10%-30% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 3C (6.1 g, 97% for two steps).

A mixture of 3C (4.35 g, 21.16 mmol) in anhydrous dichloroethane (60 mL) was treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehye (1B, 2.79 g, 28.99 mmol) and AcOH (0.35 mL, 6 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT for 10 min and then treated with NaBH(OAc)₃ (15.36 g, 72.48 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight, and quenched with 2N NaOH solution, concentrated under vacuum. The residue was diluted with water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (4×100 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (DCM containing 1 to 5% of 7N NH₃ in MeOH) provided 3D (5.56 g, 89%). MS m/z 261 (MH+).

Compound 3D (5.56 g, 21.38 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH/EtOAc (300 mL, 1:1), 10% Pd/C (1.11 g, 20% by weight) was carefully added. The mixture was stirred at RT under a hydrogen balloon overnight and filtered. The solvent was evaporated off under vacuum to give a white solid 3E (5.46 g, 100%). MS m/z 231 (MH+).

A mixture of amine 3E (2.14 g, 9.30 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (40 mL) was sequentially treated with TEA (3.24 mL, 23.3 mmol) and ClCO₂Me (1.43 mL, 18.6 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h, and then quenched with 2N NaOH solution. The resulting mixture was stirred for another 2 h and separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (DCM containing 1 to 4% of 7N NH₃/MeOH) provided 3 as a white solid (1.64 g, 61%). MS m/z 289 (MH+).

Preparative Example 4

In a manner similar to Example 3, Step 5, amine 3E was treated with TEA and AcCl to provide the compound 4. MS m/z 273 (MH+).

Preparative Example 5

A solution of 3C (3 g, 16.7 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (100 mL) was treated with Boc₂O (7.27 g, 33.3 mmol), pyridine (5.39 mL, 66.7 mmol), and catalytic DMAP. The mixture was stirred at RT overnight and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was diluted with water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄), concentrated and subjected to chromatography (5-5% EtOAc/hexanes, yield: 3 g, 64%).

The resulting product was hydrogenated in a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Step 4 to provide 5A.

To amine 5A (1.1 g, 4.4 mmol) in anhydrous THF (15 mL) was added MeNCO (215 mg, 4.4 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT overnight and then concentrated. Chromatography (DCM containing 1 to 5% of 7N NH₃/MeOH) provided 5B (890 mg, 66%).

Compound 5B (890 mg, 2.9 mmol) was stirred at RT in 30% TFA/DCM (14 mL) containing three drops of Et₃SiH for 1 h, and then quenched with 2N NaOH solution. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The residue (5C, 600 mg) was used in the next reaction without further purification.

In a manner similar to that described in Example 3 (Step 3), compound 5C was treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (1B) to provide title compound 5 (56% for two steps). MS m/z 288 (MH+).

Compounds 5D-5F in Table 1 below can be prepared from compound 5A using various capping reagents as shown, followed by Boc-deprotection and reductive alkylation as described above. TABLE 1

Cpd Reagent R MS (MH+) 5D Methanesulfonic anhydride/pyridine

309 5E

338 5F

302

Preparative Example 6

To a flask with Ac₂O (2.02 mL, 21.4 mmol) at 0° C. was added HCO₂H (0.82 mL, 21.4 mmol) by syringe. After stirring at 0° C. for 5 min, the mixture was heated up to 55° C. for 2 h, and then was cooled to 0° C. again. Amine 5A (2 g, 8.0 mmol) in anhydrous THF (100 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. The reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum and diluted with 2 N NaOH solution to pH 9, extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum to give a foam 6A (quantitative yield).

Alternatively, a mixture of compound 5A (17.5 g, 69.9 mmol) in butyl formate (700 ml) was heated at 50° C. for 3 h and then left at RT overnight. The reaction mixture was then concentrated, added to 100 ml of 0.5N NaOH, extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (4×), dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. Chromatography (10%-50% EtOAc/hexane) gave 6A (9.19 g, 47%) as a light brown sticky foam.

A mixture of compound 6A (2.75 g, 9.88 mmol) in THF (30 ml) was treated slowly with BH₃-DMS (2.0 M/THF, 7.8 ml) and then heated at reflux for 3 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated, treated with K₂CO₃ (1.5 g) and EtOH, and then stirred overnight at RT. The reaction mixture was filtered, concentrated, added to H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (4×). The combined organic layers were dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to provide 6B as a clear oil (2.76 g).

A solution of 6B (2.76 g, crude) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 ml) was treated slowly with MeNCO (1.0 g, 12.5 mmol) and stirred at RT overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated and chromatographed (50% to 80% EtOAc/hex, 3.10 g, 98% yield from 6A). This product (3.10 g, 9.65 mmol) was taken up in of CH₂Cl₂ (80 ml) and deprotected with of TFA (11.5 ml) as described in Example 5, Step 4 (95% yield). A mixture of the resulting amine and aldehyde 1B (1 eq) in a minimal amount of CH₂Cl₂ was treated with Ti(OiPr)₄ (1.3 eq). After stirring for 2 h at RT, NaBH₄ (1.2 eq) and EtOH were added. The reaction mixture was then stirred overnight, concentrated, treated with H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (4×). The combined organic layers were dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered, concentrated and chromatographed (silica gel, 5% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ w/NH₃) to provide the title compound 6 (74% yield). MS m/z 302 (MH+). Compounds in Table 2 below can be prepared from compound 6B using the various capping reagents as shown, followed by Boc-deprotection and reductive alkylation as shown in Example 5. TABLE 2

Cpd Reagent R MS (MH+) 6C TMSNCO

288 6D

352 6E MeCOCl /pyridine

303

Compound 6F was prepared as follows: 6A was treated with TFA, followed by reductive alkylation with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (1B) as described previously in Example 5 (Step 4) and Example 3 (Step 3). MS m/z 259 (MH+).

In a manner similar to Example 3, Step 2, compound 6F was reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ to provide 6G. MS m/z 245 (MH+).

Preparative Example 7

To a suspension of compound 3D (4.8 g, 18.46 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (200 mL) was sequentially added TrCl (5.15 g, 18.46 mmol) and TEA (7.7 mL, 55.37 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT overnight, and quenched with saturated NH₄Cl solution. The solution was separated and the aqueous was extracted with DCM (3×100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum to give red yellowish solid 7A (9.13 g, yield: 98%).

To compound 7A (4.55 g, 9.06 mmol) in MeOH/EtOAc (400 mL, 1:1) in a hydrogenation bottle was added 10% Pd—C (1 g). The reaction vessel was shaken in the Parr shaker under 50 psi hydrogen for 4 h. Then the catalyst was filtered off through a celite bed and washed with MeOH and EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated under vacuum to give white solid 7B (3.81 g, 89%).

Following the approach outlined in Example 6 (Steps 1-2), 7B was treated with Ac₂O/HCO₂H and then reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ to afford 7C. In a manner similar to that found in Example 5 (Steps 3-4), 7C was further elaborated by treatment with EtNCO and deprotection with TFA to provide the title compound 7. MS m/z 316 (MH+).

Preparative Example 8

To compound 7C (1.5 g, 3.09 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (10 mL) was added pyridine (0.5 mL, 6.18 mmol) and ClCO₂Et (0.59 mL, 6.18 mmol) sequentially. The mixture was stirred at RT overnight, and then quenched with saturated NH₄Cl solution. The solution was concentrated and the aqueous was extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum.

The residue was then deprotected with TFA, in a manner described in Example 5, Step 4, to afford compound 8 (145 mg, 15% for two steps). MS m/z 317 (MH+).

Preparative Example 9

The synthesis in Example 9 used starting materials 9A, 9B or 9C. Compound 9B can be synthesized from 9A by using reduction method A or B:

Method A: To compound 9A in MeOH was added 10% Pd/C and the mixture was stirred at RT under hydrogen balloon overnight. Then the catalyst was filtered off through a celite bed and washed with MeOH. The filtrate was concentrated to give compound 9B for next reaction without further purification.

Method B: To compound 9A in EtOH was added SnCl₂-2H₂O (4eq.), and the mixture was heated to reflux for 2 h. The mixture was concentrated and poured into ice, neutralized to pH 7 with sat. NaHCO₃. Then the solid was filter off and washed extensively with EtOAc. The filtrate was separated and the aqueous was extracted with (3×). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to give compound 9B.

Compounds 9E-9Z (shown in Table 3) were synthesized starting from 9A, 9B or 9C by following the procedures described in Example 3. The selective single-nitro reduction of starting material 9A13 (2,6-dinitrophenol) using Method A provided 2-amino-6-nitrophenol. TABLE 3 Reduction Starting method Spectral data Material R from 9A Cpd MS (MH+) unless noted 9A1 4-F A 9E 234 9A2 5-F A 9F 234 9A3 6-F A 9G 234 9A4 5,6-diF A 9H 252 9B1 4-Cl N.A. 9I ¹H NMR(CDCl₃): 7.60(s, 1H), 6.90(s, 1H), 6.75(d, 1H), 6.66(d, 1H), 6.55(dd, 1H), 4.40(s, 2H), 4.20(t, 2H), 3.40(t, 2H) 9B2 5-Cl N.A. 9J 250 9A5 6-Cl B 9K 250 9A6 4,6-diCl B 9L 284 9C1 4-Me N.A. 9M 230 9A7 3-Me A 9N 230 9B3 4-Ph N.A. 9O 292 9A8 4-Br B 9P 294 9A9 4-CF₃ A 9Q 284 9A10 3-OMe A 9R 246 9A11 4-OMe A 9S 246 9B4 5-OMe N.A. 9T 246 9A12 6-OMe A 9U 246 9B5 4-SO₂NH₂ N.A. 9V 295 9B6 4-SO₂Et N.A. 9W 308 9B7 5-NO₂ N.A. 9X 261 9A13 6-NO₂ A 9Y 261 9A14 4-CO₂CH₃ B 9Z 274 Starting material 9A10 in Table 3 was prepared as follows:

Dimethylsulfate (2.7 mL, 0.058 mmol) was added carefully to 2-nitrobenzene-1,3-diol (2.5 g, 0.232 mmol) and the mixture was stirred vigorously while 10% NaOH solution (21 mL) was added and the temperature was kept below 40° C. After about 15 min, the mixture was cooled and then filtered. The filtrate was collected and acidified with 10% HCl, and extracted with ether (3×25 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (10-30% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 9A10 (1 g, 37%).

Starting material 9A12 in Table 3 was prepared as follows:

Fuming HNO₃ (0.34 mL, 0.008 mmol) was carefully added to a mixture of 2-methoxyphenol (0.886 mL, 0.008 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (10 mL) at −20° C. After stirring for 2 h at RT, the mixture was concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (10-30% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 9A12 (400 mg, 29%) and 2-methoxy-3-nitrophenol (400 mg, 29%).

Preparative Example 10

A mixture of compound 9Z (46 mg, 0.24 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) at 0° C. was carefully treated with LAH powder (18 mg, 0.48 mmol) and then stirred for 2 h at RT. The reaction was quenched with 1N NaOH solution (2 mL), filtered and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (DCM with 3 to 5% of 7N NH₃-MeOH) provided 10 (47 mg, 80%). MS m/z 246(MH+).

Preparative Example 11

A mixture of 9Z (67 mg, 0.24 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was treated with NaOH (15 mg, 0.38 mmol) and stirred at RT overnight. The reaction was then neutralized with 10% HCl and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was taken up in MeOH, stirred for 1 h, filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography (Prep-HPLC) provided compound 11 (21 mg, 32%). MS m/z 260(MH+).

Preparative Example 12

A mixture of 6-bromo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[1,4]oxazine (9D, 1.5 g, 7.05 mmol) and CuCN (1.58 g, 17.61 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (15 mL) was stirred at 130° C. for 3 h and then at 150° C. overnight. Then the mixture was cooled to RT, quenched with water and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was taken up in 2N NaOH and EtOAc (100 mL) and then agitated in a sonicator for 1 h. The precipitate was filtered off and washed with EtOAc. The filtrate and washings were combined and extracted with EtOAc (2×80 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated under vacuum to give compound 12A (1.062 g, 94%).

Step 2

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Step 3, 12A was converted to the title compound 12. MS m/z 241 (MH+).

Example 13

A solution of 12 (0.179 g, 0.75 mmol) in anhydrous EtOH (10 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with bubbling HCl gas for 15 min. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min, warmed to RT overnight, and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 2.0 M NH₃-MeOH (5 mL), stirred at RT for 4 h, and then concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (Ranin-Prep HPLC, Waters SunFire™ Prep C18 5 μM, 19-100 mm column, 5-90% CH₃CN/H₂O gradient) gave the compound 13 (36 mg: 19%). MS m/z 258 (MH+).

Preparative Example 14

To a suspension of KH (30% in mineral oil, washed with hexanes, 1.2 g, 8.98 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) at 0° C. under argon was added a solution of 6-bromo-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one (9C, 1.02 g, 4.49 mmol) in THF (20 mL). After 15 min, the solution was cooled to −78° C., and t-BuLi (1.7 M in pentane, 5.18 mL, 8.8 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 15 min at −78° C., and then treated with dimethyl disulfide dropwise. The solution was warmed gradually to RT and stirred overnight. The reaction was then quenched by sat. NH₄Cl (15 mL) carefully, and filtered. The filtrate was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography (5-25% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 14A (0.483 g, 55%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Steps 2-3, 14A was reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ and treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide 14B. MS m/z 262(MH+).

To compound 14B (0.447 g, 1.71 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (10 mL) was added MCPBA (77%, 0.85 g, 3.77 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The reaction was quenched with sat. Na₂CO₃ solution and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The concentrated solution was extracted with EtOAc (3×10 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (DCM containing 1-7% of 7N NH₃-MeOH) provided the title compound 14 (67 mg, 13%, MS m/z 294 MH+) and a mixture of 14C and 14, which was purified by Ranin-preparative HPLC to provided 14C (39 mg, 8%, MS m/z 278 MH+).

Preparative Example 15

To compound 6-bromo-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one (9C, 500 mg, 2.2 mmol) in toluene (44 mL) was added Pd(PPh₃)₄ (127 mg, 0.11 mmol). After stirring at RT for 30 min, boronic acid 15A (697 mg, 3.3 mmol) in EtOH (13 mL, 0.25 M) and saturated NaHCO₃ solution (22 mL) were added and the solution was heated to reflux overnight. Then the mixture was cooled to RT, and poured into saturated NaCl solution, and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×25 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (10 to 30% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 15B (320 mg, 46%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Steps 2-3, 15B was reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ and treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide 15C. MS m/z 381 (MH+).

Step 4

A mixture of 15C (143 mg, 0.37 mmol) in 4.0M HCl-dioxane (1.5 mL, 0.56 mmol) was stirred at RT overnight. The reaction was neutralized with 7N NH₃-MeOH and concentrated. The residue was purified by preparative TLC (DCM containing 10% of 7N NH₃-MeOH) to provide the title compound 15 (28 mg, 26%). MS m/z 281 (MH+).

Preparative Example 16

To a stirred solution of Pd (OAc)₂ (3 mg, 0.0125 mmol) and PPh₃ (13 mg, 0.05 mmol) in anhydrous THF (2 mL) under argon was added 6-bromo-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one (9C, 57 mg, 0.25 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT for 10 min and treated sequentially with a solution of 3-pyridine boronic acid (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in EtOH (1 mL) and aqueous NaHCO₃ solution (2 M, 2 mL). The mixture was heated to reflux for 2 h and then cooled to RT. The solution was poured into saturated NaCl solution, and then concentrated under vacuum. The residue was diluted with water (5 mL) and extracted with EtOAC (3×10 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (10-30% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 16A (21 mg, 37%).

Steps 2-3

Compound 16A was converted to compound 16 by reduction with BH₃—SMe₂ and reductive alkylation with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde as described in Example 3, Steps 2-3. MS m/z 293(MH+).

Preparative Example 17

A Smith process vial (2-5 mL) was charged with a stir bar, 6-bromo-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one (9C, 23 mg, 0.1 mmol), thiophen-3-ylboronic acid (17 mg, 0.13 mmol) and EtOH (2 mL). Aqueous K₂CO₃ (1 M, 0.12 mL) and polymer-supported Pd (40 mg, 3 mol% Pd, FiberCat. 1000-D32, Pd % 4.26) were then added sequentially. The reaction vessel was sealed and heated to 110° C. for 1 h under microwave irradiation. After cooling, the reaction mixture was transferred to a prepacked column of Si-carbonate (2 g, 0.79 mmol/g), which had been conditioned with MeOH/DCM (1:1). The product was eluted with MeOH/DCM (1:1, 3×3 mL, gravity filtration) and concentrated to give compound 17A (18 mg, 80%).

Steps 2-3

Compound 17A was converted to 17 in a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Steps 2-3. MS m/z 298 (MH+).

Preparative Example 18

A Smith process vial (20 mL) was charged with a stir bar, compound 3A (1 g, 6.49 mmol), ethyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate (1 mL, 6.81 mmol), KF (1.13 g, 19.5 mmol) and DMF (10 mL). The reaction vessel was sealed and heated to 160° C. for 1 h under microwave irradiation. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into ice-water and extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (10-30% EtOAc/hexanes) gave 18A (0.245 g, 17%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Steps 2-3, 18A was reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ and reacted with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide 18B. MS m/z 289 (MH+).

Following the procedure found in Example 3, Step 4, 18B was hydrogenated to give compound 18C. In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Step 5, 18C was further reacted with ClCO₂Me to provide the title compound 18. MS m/z 317 (MH+).

Preparative Example 19

To 2-fluorophenol (19A, 8 mL, 86.4 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (70 mL) at 0° C. was added fuming HNO₃ (0.34 mL, 0.008 mmol) dropwise through an addition funnel. The mixture was warmed to RT and stirred for 2 h, then cooled to 0° C. again and quenched with 2N NaOH solution to pH 5. The mixture was concentrated under vacuum, diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum to give compound 19B (15.07 g, yield: 86.4%). Step 2

A solution of 19B (15.07 g, 74.6 mmol) in EtOH (300 mL) was treated with SnCl₂-2H₂O (50.5 g, 224 mmol) and heated to reflux for 2 h. The mixture was concentrated, poured into ice, and neutralized to pH 7 with 2N NaOH solution. The solid was filtered off and washed with EtOAc (5×500 mL). The filtrate was separated and the aqueous was extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated under afford 19C (12.59 g, 98%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Steps 1-3, 19C was reacted with chloroacetyl chloride, reduced with BH₃—SMe₂, and treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide compound 19D. MS m/z 279 (MH+).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Step 4, 19D was hydrogenated to afford compound 19E. MS m/z 249 (MH+). Compound 19E was further reacted with ClCO₂Me as described in Example 3, Step 5, to provide the title compound 19. MS m/z 307 (MH+).

Preparative Example 20

To 2-chloro-4,6-dinitrophenol (20A, 2 g, 9.18 mmol) in EtOH (100 mL) was added a scoop of Raney nickel (20% by weight) carefully. The mixture was stirred at RT under hydrogen balloon overnight and then filtered. The solvent was evaporated off under vacuum to give white solid 20B (1.3 g, 89%) and used directly in the next reaction.

Following the procedure described in example 3, Step 1, 20B was reacted with chloroacetyl chloride to provide 20C (5%). Compound 20C was treated with ClCO₂Me, reduced with BH₃—SMe₂, and reductively alklyated in a manner similar to that found in Example 8 and Example 3 (Steps 2-3) to afford the title compound 20. MS m/z 323 (MH+).

Preparative Example 21

To compound 21A (5 g, 30 mmol) in concentrated H₂SO₄ (17 mL) was added a 1:1 mixture of fuming HNO₃ and conc. H₂SO₄ (7 mL) over 15 min. The mixture was stirred for additional 30 min at RT and was slowly poured into ice water (500 mL). The mixture was filtered to collect solid and washed with water (4×). The solid was placed under high vacuum in an 80° C. oil bath for 5 h to provide 21B (3.82 g, 60%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Steps 2-3, 21B was reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ and then treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehye to afford compound 21C. MS m/z 279 (MH+).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Steps 4, 21C was hydrogenated to provide compound 21D. Compound 21D was then converted to the title compound 21 as described in Example 3, Step 5. MS m/z 307 (MH+).

Preparative Example 22

Following the procedures described in Example 21 (Step 1) and Example 3 (Steps 2-3), 22A was nitrated with HNO₃, reduced with BH₃—SMe₂, and reacted with imidazle-4-carboxaldehyde to provide compound 22. MS m/z 262 (MH+).

Preparative Example 23

A solution of compound 23A (330 mg, 2.2 mmol, U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,363) in DMF (4 mL) was treated with NaH (60% in mineral oil, 88 mg, 2.2 mmol) at RT. The mixture was stirred for 20 min, followed by addition of a solution of compound 23B (0.79 g, 2.2 mmol, J. Med. Chem., 2002, 45, 533) in DMF (4 mL). The mixture was stirred at 45° C. for 3 days, and then quenched with water and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (50 mL), washed with water (2×10 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (DCM with 2-3% 7 N NH₃-MeOH) provided 23C (519 mg, 50%). MS m/z 473 (MH+).

Steps 2-3

In a manner similar to that found in Example 2 (Step 2) and Example 15 (Step 4), 23C was reduced with BH₂—SMe₂ (18 h at reflux) and then deprotected with HCl-dioxane (1 h at 60° C.) to provide the title compound 23. MS m/z 217 (MH+).

Preparative Example 24

A stirred solution of 2-chloro-5-nitroaniline 24A (34.4 g, 0.2 mol) in absolute EtOH (200 mL) at 70° C. was treated gradually with a solution of sodium sulfide nonahydrate (48 g, 0.2 mol) and sulfur (9.6 g, 0.3 mol), which had been preheated to melting. The mixture was refluxed for 30 min and cooled to RT. The mixture was filtered to collect the solid, wash with water. The solid was dried under vacuum at 100° C. for 5 h. The resulting solid was taken up in water (200 mL) and treated with NaOH (8 g, 0.2 mol) and ClCH₂COOH (18.9 g, 0.2 mol). The mixture was then heated to reflux for 1.5 h. After cooling down, the mixture was acidified with 10% HCl solution and filtered to collect brown-yellow solid, and washed with water to give compound 24B (25 g, 60%).

Following the procedure described in Example 3, Steps 2-3, 24B was reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ and treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide 24C. MS m/z 277 (MH+).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Step 4, 24C was hydrogenated to provide 24D. MS m/z 247 (MH+). Compound 24D was further treated with ClCO₂Me as described in Example 3, Step 5, to provide the title compound 24. MS m/z 305 (MH+).

Preparative Example 25

Following procedures described in Example 3 (Steps 2-3), compound 25A was subjected to reduction with BH₃—SMe₂ and then reductive amination with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide compound 25B. MS m/z 232 (MH+).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 14, Step 4, 25B was oxidized with MCPBA to the afford compounds 25C (MS m/z 248 MH+) and 25 (MS m/z 264 MH+).

Preparative Example 26

In a manner similar to that found in Example 1, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoxaline and imidazole-4-carboxaldehye 1B underwent reductive amination to provide 26A. LMCS m/z 215 (MH+).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3, Step 5, 26A was converted to 26B. LMCS m/z 273 (MH+).

Step 3

Compound 26B (120 mg) was added portionwise to a stirred slurry of LAH powder (500 mg) in Et₂O (15 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was refluxed for 1 h and then cooled to 0° C. The reaction was treated sequentially with H₂O (0.5 mL), 1 N NaOH (0.5 mL), and H₂O (1.5 mL). and then concentrated. Chromatography (DCM with 2 to 5% of 7N NH₃-MeOH) provided the title compound 26. MS m/z 229(MH+). Alternatively, compounds in this class may be synthesized by a solid phase approach as described in the following Example 27.

Preparative Example 27

A mixture of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline (27A, 2 g, 14.9 mmol) in dioxane (15 mL) and water (24 mL) at 0° C. was sequentially treated with Na₂CO₃ (1.58 g, 14.9 mmol) and FmocCl (3.84 g, 14.9 mmol) in dioxane (20 mL, added dropwise). The mixture was warmed to RT gradually and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (50 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×70 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated, and subjected to chromatography (30-40% EtOAc/hexanes, yields 0.75 g, 14%). Subsequent reaction with resin 1D as described in Example 1 provided 27B.

Compound 27B (0.5 g, 1.4 mmol/g) was stirred in 30% piperidine/DMF overnight. The resin was washed with DMF (3×), MeOH (3×) and DCM and then dried in vacuo to provide 27C. Resin 27C (125 mg, 1.4 mmol/g) was suspended in DCM (5 mL) and treated with pyridine (0.283 mL, 3.5 mmol) and MeSO₂Cl (0.135 mL, 1.75 mmol). The reaction was shaken overnight, then washed with MeOH (2×), DMF (2×), DCM (2×), MeOH (2×) and DCM (3×). Subsequent cleavage from the resin with TFA, as described in Example 1, provided the title compound 27. MS m/z 293 (MH+).

Compounds in Table 4 can be prepared from Resin 27C by reaction with the various reagents shown followed by TFA cleavage. TABLE 4

Cpd Reagent R MS (MH+) 27D Me₂NSO₂Cl/ pyridine

322 27E Ac₂O/ pyridine

257 27F MeNCO

272

Preparative Example 28

To 6-nitro-2-aminophenol (3A, 3.03 g, 19.7 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (50 mL) was added dipyridylcarbonate (4.25 g, 19.7 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT overnight, and then concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (1-6% MeOH/DCM) afforded the solid 28A (2.77 g, 78%).

A solution of 28A (0.69 g, 3.83 mmol) in 2-ethoxyethanol (10 mL) was treated with KOH (0.22 g, 3.83 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 h. The mixture was then heated to reflux and treated with 1-bromo-3-chloropropane (0.75 mL, 7.67 mmol). After refluxing for 4 h, the solution was filtered and concentrated to provide 28B, which was taken on to Step 3 without further purification.

A solution of 28B in 2-ethoxyethanol and DMF (10 mL, 1:1) was transferred into a Smith process vial (20 mL) with a stir bar, and treated with KOH (0.86 g, 15.32 mmol). The reaction vessel was sealed and heated to 220° C. for 1 h under microwave irradiation. After cooling, the reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated. The residue was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×10 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. Chromatography (DCM containing 1-5% 7N NH₃-MeOH) provided 28C (124 mg, 17% for 2 steps).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3 (Step 3), 28C was reacted with imidazole-4-carboxyaldehyde to provide compound 28D. MS m/z 275 (MH+).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3 (Step 4), 28D was hydrogenated to afford compound 28E. MS m/z 245 (MH+). Following the procedure found in Example 3 (Step 5), 28E was further reacted with ClCO₂Me to provide the title compound 28. MS m/z 303 (MH+).

Preparative Example 29

A mixture of 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetic acid (10 g, 51 mmol) and 4M HCl-dioxane (40 mL) in EtOH (150 mL) was refluxed for 2 h and concentrated. The residue was then taken up in 1 N NaOH (50 mL) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (8×). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated to provide 29A (8.39 g, 73%) as a yellow oil.

In a manner similar to that described in Example 20 (Step 1) and Example 3 (Step 1), 29A was hydrogenated with Raney Ni (50 psi H₂) and then cyclized with chloroacetyl chloride to provide 29B. Compound 29B could be further elaborated to the title compound 29 following the procedure detailed in Example 3 (Steps 2-3). LMCS m/z 302 (MH+).

Preparative Example 30

A stirred solution of benyzlamine (0.070 mL, 0.66 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was treated dropwise with AlMe₃ (2M/toluene, 0.33 mL, 0.66 mmol) at 20° C. After 20 min, a solution of 29 (0.10 g, 0.33 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3 mL) was added slowly. The mixture was then heated at reflux overnight and cooled to 20° C. The reaction was quenched with H₂O (0.5 mL), and stirred 1 h. The mixture was then dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography (2-5% 1 N NH₃-MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) provided 30 as a white film (0.115 g, 96%). LMCS m/z 363 (MH+).

Preparative Example 31

In a manner similar to that found in Example 26 (Step 3) and Example 1, 29B was reduced with LAH and then treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide 31A. LMCS m/z 260 (MH+).

Step 3

A solution of 31A (0.20 g, 77 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (10 mL) was treated with Et₃N (0.20 mL, 1.5 mmol) and MeNCO (0.050 mL, 0.85 mmol) and stirred for 3 h at 20° C. The mixture was treated with H₂O (10 mL), extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×), and concentrated. The residue was subjected to chromatography (2-5% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) and then stirred in Et₂NH (5 mL) at 20° C. overnight. The mixture was concentrated, treated with 1 N NaOH, and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×). The combined organic extracts were dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. Chromatography (5% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) provided 31 as a white film (0.080 g, 33%). LMCS m/z 317 (MH+).

Preparative Example 32

Following the procedures found in Example 20 (Step 1) and Example 3 (Step 1), 32A was hydrogenated with Raney Ni (50 psi H₂) and then cyclized with chloroacetyl chloride to provide 32B.

Following the procedure found in Example 26 (Step 3), the nitrile and amide found in compound 32B were concomitantly reduced with LAH. The resultant product (0.83 g, 5.1 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was treated with BOC₂O (1.07 g, 5.1 mmol), stirred at 20° C. for 0.5 h and then concentrated. Chromatography (20-50% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 32C as a white sticky foam (1.19 g, 89%)

In a manner similar to that found in Example 1 and Example 15 (Step 4), 32C was treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde and then deprotected to afford 32D. LMCS m/z 245 (MH+). Following the procedure described Example 3, Step 5, 32D was treated with ClCO₂Me and converted to the title compound 32. LMCS m/z 303 (MH+).

Preparative Example 33

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3 (Step 1) and Example 26 (Step 3), 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine was cyclized with chloroacetyl chloride and then reduced with LAH to afford 33A.

A solution of 33A (0.105 g 0.77 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was treated with KN(SiMe₃)₂ (0.5 M/toluene, 1.8 mL, 0.93 mmol), stirred at 0° C. for 20 min, and then treated with 33B (0.155 g 1.16 mmol, Tetrahedron Letters 2000, 41, 8661). The reaction was warmed to 20° C., stirred 2 h, and concentrated. The residue was then treated with 0.5 N NaOH (10 mL) and washed with CH₂Cl₂ (3×). The aqueous layer was concentrated and subjected to chromatography (20-80% EtOAc/hexanes) to provide 33 as a white solid (0.065 g, 36%). LMCS m/z 234 (MH+).

Preparative Example 34

A mixture of 2-chloro-3-nitropyridine (9.4 g, 59 mmol), glycine ethyl ester hydrochloride (10.8 g, 77 mmol), and K₂CO₃ (21.3 g, 154 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) was refluxed overnight. The mixture was then filtered, concentrated, and subjected to chromatography (20% EtOAc/hexanes). The resulting yellow solid was dissolved in EtOH (300 mL), treated with Raney Ni (2 g) and hydrogenated at 40 psi H₂ overnight. The mixture was filtered, concentrated and chromatographed (2-5% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) to provide 34A (1.25 g, 14%) and N-(3-amino-2-pyridinyl)glycine ethyl ester (8.2 g, 71%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 5 (Step 1), 34A was converted to 34B (BOC₂O, DMAP and Et₃N in refluxing DCM).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 26 (Step 3), 34B was treated with LAH to provide 34C as a white solid (0.040 g, 48%). Following the procedure found in Example 1, 34C was then treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide the title compound 34. LMCS m/z 230 (MH+).

Preparative Example 35

A solution of 34A (0.260 g, 1.74 mmol) in THF (15 mL) was treated with Et₃N (1.2 mL, 8.7 mmol) and Ac₂O (0.33 mL, 3.5 mmol) and stirred overnight at 20° C. The reaction was treated diluted with H₂O (10 mL) and extracted with 10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ (3×). The combined organic extracts were dried with Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Chromatography (20-50% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 35A as a white solid (0.140 g, 42%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 26 (Step 3) and Example 1, 35A was reduced with LAH and then treated with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide the title compound 35. LMCS m/z 244 (MH+).

Preparative Example 36

A solution of 34A (0.200 g 1.33 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was treated with KN(SiMe₃)₂ (0.5M/toluene, 3.2 mL, 0.93 mmol), stirred at 0° C. for 30 min, and then treated with CH₃I (0.12 mL, 2.00 mmol). The reaction was warmed to 20° C., stirred overnight, and concentrated. The residue was then treated with 0.5 N NaOH (10 mL) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×). The combined organic layers were concentrated and subjected to chromatography (2-5% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) to provide 36A (0.120 g, 55%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 26 (Step 3) and Example 1, 36A was reduced with LAH and then reacted with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde to provide 36. LMCS m/z 230 (MH+).

Preparative Example 37

A mixture of 3C (2 g, 11.1 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (20 mL) was treated with 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)acetic acid (2 g, 17.5 mmol), HATU (6.2 g, 16.3 mmol) and DIEA (0.4 mL, 2.3 mmol) at 25° C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and then concentrated under vacuum. Column chromatography (DCM containing 1-6% of 7N NH₃/MeOH) provided 37A (1.2 g, yield: 38%). In a manner similar to Example 2, Step 2, compound 37A was reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ to provide compound 37. MS m/z 275 (MH+).

Preparative Example 38

A solution of compound 3C (14.1 g, 78 mmol) in MeCN (200 mL) was treated with (BOC)₂O (20.5 g, 94 mmol) and DMAP (0.5 g) and then refluxed overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated and chromatographed (10% -50% EtOAc/hexanes) to give compound 38A (16.1 g, 74%, typically 70-90%) and recovered starting material 3C.

A mixture of compound 38A (16.1 g, 58 mmol) in EtOH (300 ml) was treated with Raney Ni (˜5 g) and hydrogenated (40 psi H₂) overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated.

The resulting white solid (˜15.3 g, 61 mmol) was suspended in anhydrous THF (200 mL) and treated slowly with Ac₂O (˜18 mL, 173 mmol). After stirring for 2 h at 20° C., the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and taken up in 25% aqueous NaOH (100 mL) and CH₂Cl₂. The layers were separated. The aqueous layer was further extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×). The organic layers were combined, dried with Na₂SO₄, and filtered to give 38B as a gray solid (17.6 g, quantitative yield).

A solution of compound 38B (21 g, 72 mmol) in THF (300 ml) at 0° C. was slowly treated with BH₃-DMS (60 ml, 2M/THF) and then heated to reflux overnight. The mixture was concentrated, treated with K₂CO₃ (9.9 g) and EtOH (300 mL) and then refluxed for 45 min. The reaction mixture was filtered, concentrated, added to H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (4×). The combined organic layers were dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated.

The resulting clear oil (21.9 g) was dissolved in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (300 ml), treated slowly with MeNCO (˜5 g, 86 mmol), and then stirred at RT for 30 min. The reaction mixture was concentrated and chromatographed (50%-80% EtOAc/hexanes) to give the product 38C as a white solid (21.65 g, 90% yield for two steps).

Steps 6-7

A solution of compound 38C (21.65 g, 65 mmol) in of CH₂Cl₂ (300 ml) was treated with TFA (100 mL) and refluxed for 0.5 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated, treated with 20% NaOH (150 mL) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (4×). The combined organic layers were dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a white solid (14.23 g, ˜93%).

The crude product (16.2 g, 68.9 mmol) was combined with 4-imidazolecarboxaldehyde (1B, 6.6 g, 68.9 mmol) and Ti(OiPr)₄ (25 mL, 86 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (15 ml) and stirred at RT until the reaction mixture became clear (˜1 h). Following the addition of NaBH₄ (3.3 g, 86 mmol) and EtOH (200 mL), the reaction was stirred at RT overnight and concentrated. The residue was taken up in 0.5 N NaOH and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (4×). The combined organic layers were dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography (5-10% of 7N NH₃-MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) provided compound 38 (14.13 g, 68%) as a white solid.

Preparative Example 39

Bromine (8.0 g, 50 mmol, 2.3 eq) in anhydrous Ac₂O (40 mL) was added dropwise to a solution of 1B (2.08 g, 21.7 mmol) and NaOAc (18.7 g, 228 mmol, 10.5 eq) in anhydrous HOAc (200 mL) over a period of 1 h at RT. The resulting mixture was stirred at RT for 2.5 h and then concentrated. The residue was partitioned between Et₂O (200 mL) and water (200 mL), the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with Et₂O (200 mL). The combined organic phase was dried, concentrated and chromatographed (EtOAc) to afford 5-bromo-4-formyl imidazole 39A (1.00 g, 26%) as white crystals.

In a manner similar to that found in Example 1, 39A was treated with 39B (Example 6) to afford the title compound 39. LCMS m/z 280 (MH+).

Preparative Example 40

A mixture of 6 (0.25 g, 0.83 mmol) and NaHCO₃ (0.7 g, 8.3 mmol) in 1:1 THF-H₂O (20 mL) was stirred vigorously for 10 min and then treated with phenyl chloroformate (PhOCOCl, 0.26 mL, 2.1 mmol). The reaction was stirred at RT for 2 h and then diluted with EtOAc. The organic layer was isolated, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The resulting residue was dissolved in MeOH, treated with Et₃N (0.6 mL, 4.3 mmol) and stirred overnight. The solution was concentrated and subjected to chromatography (5-10% NH₃-MeOH/EtOAc) to provide the title compound 40 as a light yellow foam (0.2 g, 76%).

Preparative Example 41

A mixture of 1A (0.2 g, 1.5 mmol) and imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (1B, 0.16 g, 1.6 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was treated with Ti(OiPr)₄ (0.55 mL, 1.88 mmol), stirred at RT overnight, and then treated with Et₂AlCN (2 mL, 1M/toluene). After 18 h, EtOAc, H₂O, and celite were added. Filtration and subsequent chromatography (0-10% of 7N NH₃-MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) provided 41 as a yellow solid (0.178 g, 50%). LCMS m/z 241 (MH+).

Preparative Example 42

In a manner similar to that found in Example 41, a mixture of 1A and 42A (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1971, 14, 883) was treated sequentially with Ti(OiPr)₄ and Et₂AlCN to provide the compound 42B.

A solution of 42B (0.2 g, 0.41 mmol) in 1N NH₃-MeOH (50 mL) was treated with Raney Ni and hydrogenated (50 psi H₂) overnight at RT. Filtration and subsequent chromatography (0-7% of 7N NH₃-MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) provided 42C as a yellow film (0.15 g, 74%).

A mixture of 42C (145 mg, 0.3 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL) was treated with TFA (0.5 mL) and Et₃SiH (0.05 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight and then concentrated. Chromatography (2-15% of 7 N NH₃-MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) provided the title compound 42 (69 mg, 95%) as a yellow oil. LCMS m/z 245 (MH+).

Preparative Example 43

In a manner similar to that described in Examples 19 and 3, 2-cyanophenol was subjected to bis-nitration with HNO₃, selective reduction with SnCl₂, cyclization with chloroacetyl chloride, and reduction with BH₃-SMe₂ to provide 43A.

A mixture of 43A (0.65 g, 3.2 mmol) and Et₃N (0.9 mL, 6.3 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (60 mL) was treated with Ac₂O (6 mL) and DMAP (0.15 g) and then refluxed for 2 d. The reaction was then cooled, washed with 1N HCl (2×), washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. Chromatography (10-100% of EtOAc/hexanes) provided 43B as a yellow solid (0.688 g, 88%).

In a manner similar to that described in Example 3 (Step 4), 43B was hydrogenated with Pd/C.

A mixture of the aniline product (0.080 g, 0.38 mmol) in 6M HCl (0.5 mL) was treated with a solution of NaNO₂ (27 mg, 0.39 mmol) at 0° C. After 0.5 h, the solution was neutralized with sat. aq. Na₂CO₃ and then added dropwise to solution of CuCN (37 mg, 0.41 mmol) and NaCN (40 mg, 0.82 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at 60° C. overnight and then filtered.

The brown precipitate (44 mg) was collected and then treated with 10% aq. NaOH (0.5 mL) for 2 h at RT. The reaction was then diluted with H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. Chromatography (20-100% of EtOAc/hexanes) provided 43C as a beige solid (0.0.15 g).

In a manner similar to that described in Example 3 (Step 3), 43C was converted to the title compound 43. LCMS m/z 266 (MH+).

Preparative Example 44

A solution of 4-phenylbutyl bromide (0.98 g, 4.6 mmol) and 44A (1.0 g, 4.6 mmol) in 10 mL of benzene was treated sequentially with Bu₄NHSO₄ (0.16 g, 0.46 mmol) and 50% aqueous NaOH (2.4 mL, 46 mmol, added slowly). After stirring at RT under N₂ for 20 h, the solvent was removed. The reaction mixture was then diluted with H₂O, extracted with EtOAc, washed with H₂O (3×) and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and chromatographed (5-10% EtOAc/hexanes) to provide 44B (0.7 g, 44%).

To a solution of 44B (0.2 g, 0.57 mmol) in 5 mL of CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was added TFA (1.5 mL). After stirring at RT for 1.5 h, the solution was cooled to 0° C. and treated with concentrated aqueous NH₃ (until pH=10-11). The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂, dried over Na₂SO₄, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to give an unstable amine (0.12 g, 84%) which was immediately taken up in CH₂Cl₂ (8 mL) and treated with compound 7B (0.21 g, 0.44 mmol) and Et₃N (0.17 mL, 1.2 mmol). After the mixture was cooled to −50° C., triphosgene (0.04 g, 0.13 mmol) was added to the solution. The mixture was stirred at −50° C. under N₂ for 1 h, then slowly warmed up to RT, and stirred under N₂ overnight. After adding 5% aqueous NaOH (10 mL), the products were extracted with CH₂Cl₂, dried over Na₂SO₄, and filtered. Chromatography (2% MeOH/EtOAc) provided 44C (0.2 g, 67%).

Step 4

A mixture of 44C (0.13 g) in 3N HCl-MeOH (8 mL) was heated at 60° C. under N₂ for 1.5 h, cooled to 0° C. and neutralized with concentrated aqueous NH₃. The solution was concentrated, taken up in H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic extract was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and chromatographed (5% NH₃-MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) to give the title compound 44 (0.05 g, 62%). LCMS m/z 506 (MH+).

Preparative Example 45

A solution of 4-phenylbutanol (2.50 g, 16.6 mmol) and 1,6-dibromohexane (8.12 g, 33.2 mmol) in anhydrous THF (30 mL) was treated slowly with NaH (1.0 g, 24.9 mmol) at RT. After refluxing under N₂ for 20 h, the mixture was cooled to RT, and quenched with H₂O. The products were extracted with ether, washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and chromatographed (2% EtOAc/hexanes) to give 45A (3.3 g, 63%).

To a solution of 45A (0.07 g, 0.21 mmol) and 7B (0.1 g, 0.21 mmol) in toluene (3 mL) and DMF (0.5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.07 mL, 0.42 mmol) at RT. After heating at 80° C. under N₂ for 20 h, the mixture was concentrated, taken up in CH₂Cl₂, washed with H₂O (3×) and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and filtered. Chromatography (60% EtOAc/hexanes) provided 45B (0.04 g, 27%).

In a manner similar to that described in Example 5 (Step 3) and Example 44 (Step 4), 45B was sequentially treated with MeNCO and HCl to provide the title compound 45. LCMS m/z 520 (MH+).

Preparative Example 46

Compound 46A (from Example 38, Step 2, 250 mg, 1 mmol) was taken up in DCE (10 mL) and treated sequentially with 2-methoxypropene (0.14 mL, 1.5 mmol), HOAc (0.06 mL, 1.1 mmol), and NaBH(OAc)₃ (424 mg, 2.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight, quenched with 1.0 N NaOH and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×20 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried, and then concentrated. Chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes) affored 46B (190 mg, 65%).

Steps 3-5

In a manner similar to that described in Example 38 (Steps 5-7), 46B was sequentially treated with MeNCO, deprotected with TFA, and treated with 4-imdazolecarboxaldehyde to provide the title compound 46. LCMS m/z 330 (MH+).

Preparative Example 47

A mixture of 46A (500 mg, 2 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was sequentially treated with methoxyacetyl chloride (0.22 mL, 2.4 mmol) and TEA (0.56 mL, 4.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight, quenched with sat. NaHCO₃, and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried, and concentrated. Chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes) afforded 47A (610 mg, 95%).

Steps 2-5

In a manner similar to that described in Example 38 (Steps 4-7), 47A was reduced with BH₃—SMe_(e), treated with MeNCO, deprotected with TFA, and treated with 4-imdazolecarboxaldehyde to provide the title compound 47. LCMS m/z 346 (MH+)

Preparative Example 48

A solution of 7B (140 mg, 0.3 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was treated with benzyl isocyanate (48 mg, 0.36 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight and then concentrated. Chromatography afforded 48A (130 mg, 72%).

In a manner similar to that described in Example 42 (Step 3), 48A was deprotected with with TFA and Et₃SiH to provide the title compound 48. LCMS m/z 364 (MH+).

Preparative Example 49

A mixture of 7B (1.0 g, 2.12 mmol), benzyloxyacetic acid (0.46 g, 2.75 mmol), EDCl (0.61 g, 3.18 mmol) and HOBt (0.42 g, 3.18 mmol) in DMF were stirred at RT for 1 d. The reaction was quenched with 0.5 N aq. NaOH (50 mL) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Preparative TLC chromatography (5% NH₃-MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) provided 49A (0.52 g).

In a manner similar to that described in Example 42 (Step 3), 49A was deprotected with TFA and Et₃SiH to provide the title compound 49. LCMS m/z 379 (MH+).

Preparative Example 50

In a manner similar to that described in Example 5 (Steps 1-2) and Example 6 (Steps 1-2), compound 28C was converted to 50A.

A mixture of 50A (0.247 g, 0.99 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (5 mL) was treated with carbonyldiimidazole (0.32 g, 1.97 mmol) and Et₃N (0.28 mL, 1.97 mmol) and then stirred at RT overnight. The reaction was washed with water and extracted with DCM (3×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum to give compound 50B.

A solution of 50B was in anhydrous MeCN (5 mL) in a sealed tube was treated with Mel (2 mL). The sealed reaction mixture was heated to 55° C. for 3 h, cooled to RT and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in anhydrous THF (5 mL) and then treated with MeONH₂-HCl (0.25 g, 2.97 mmol) and DIEA (0.53 mL, 2.97 mmol). After stirring at RT overnight, the reaction was quenched with saturated NH₄Cl solution and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum to afford crude compound 50C (279 mg, 80% for 3 steps).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 5 (Step 4) and Example 3 (Step 3), compound 50C was deprotected and converted to the title compound 50. MS m/z=332 (MH+).

Preparative Example 51

In a manner similar to that described in Example 21 (Step 1), Example 3 (Step 2), Example 5 (Step 1) and Example 3 (Step 4), compound 22A was sequentially nitrated, reduced with BH₃—SMe₂, treated with Boc₂O, and hydrogenated to yield compound 51A.

Steps 5-7

In a manner similar to that described in Example 5 (Steps 3-5), 51A was treated with MeNCO, deprotected with TFA, and converted to the title compound 51. MS m/z=289 (MH+).

Preparative Example 52

To a solution of 51A (740 mg, 2.95 mmol) in DCM (30 ml) was added 4-nitrophenylchloroformate (891 mg, 4.42 mmol) and pyridine (0.48 ml, 5.90 mmol). After stirring overnight at RT, TLC indicated consumption of the starting material. MeONH₂—HCl salt (739 mg, 8.84 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 ml) and DIEA (1.57 mL, 8.84 mmol) were then sequentially added. After stirring at RT overnight, the reaction was quenched by water, concentrated, diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Flash chromatography (20-50% of EtOAc/hexanes) provided 52A (650 mg, 68%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 5 (Step 4) and Example 3 (Step 3), 52A was converted to 52. MS m/z=305 (MH+).

Preparative Example 53

To compound 51A (100 mg, 0.40 mmol) in DCE (5 mL) was added acetaldehyde (0.045 mL, 0.80 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h and then treated with MeOH (3 mL) and NaBH₄ (45.5 mg, 1.2 mmol). After stirring at RT overnight, the reaction was quenched by 2N NaOH solution, concentrated, diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried (MgSO4), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum to give a residue 53A (40 mg, 36%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3 (Step 5), Example 5 (Step 4) and Example 3 (Step 3), 53A was treated with ClCO₂Me/pyridine, deprotected with TFA and converted to the title compound 53. MS m/z=318 (MH+).

Preparative Example 54

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3 (Step 2), compound 54A (see WO 2006/020561) was reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ to provide 54B.

Compound 54B was then elaborated into 54 (MS m/z=295, MH+) as previously described in Example 3 (Step 3).

Preparative Example 55

A Smith process vial was charged with a stir bar, compound 54B (0.33 g, 1.54 mmol), CuCN (0.276 g, 3.08 mmol) and DMF (3 mL). The reaction vessel was sealed and heated to 120° C. for 3 h under microwave irradiation. After cooling, the reaction mixture was transferred to a round bottom flask and concentrated under vacuum. Compound 55A was obtained quantitatively by continuous extraction with EtOAc in a Soxlet apparatus.

Compound 55A was then elaborated into 55 (MS m/z=242, MH+) as previously described in Example 3 (Step 3).

Preparative Example 56

In a manner similar to that previously described, 2-chloro-4,6-dinitrophenol was sequentially reduced with SnCl₂ (Example 19, Step 2), treated with chloroacetyl chloride, reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ (Example 3, Steps 1-2), protected with Boc₂O (Example 5, Step 1), and reduced again with SnCl₂ to yield compound 56A.

To a solution of compound 56A (0.29 g, 1 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (3 ml) was added 4-nitrophenylchloroformate (0.24 g, 1.2 mmol) and pyridine (0.13 ml, 1.57 mmol). After stirring overnight at RT, the reaction was quenched with sat. NH₄Cl solution and extracted with DCM. The organic phase was then concentrated. A solution of this residue in CH₃CN (5 mL) was treated with 40% MeNH₂ in H₂O (20 mL) and heated in a sealed tube at 90° C. overnight. The mixture was cooled, stirred at RT overnight, and then quenched with water. The reaction was concentrated, diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated to give 56B.

As described previously in Example 5 (Step 4) and Example 3 (Step 3), 56B was deprotected and converted to 56. MS m/z=322 (MH+).

Preparative Example 57

Compound 127 (0.388 g, 1.22 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DCM (10 mL) and cooled to −78° C. To this solution was added 1.0M BBr₃ in DCM (6.1 mL) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 30 min and then at RT for 3 h. The reaction was quenched with water and neutralized with 2N NaOH solution. The mixture was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (3×10 mL). The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (DCM containing 2 to 8% of 7N NH₃ in MeOH) to afford compound 57 in 30% yield. MS m/z=305 (MH+).

Preparative Example 58

In a manner similar to that described in Example 37, compound 58A (prepared in Example 6) and 58B (Bioconjugate Chemistry, 13, 333-350, 2002) were reacted with HATU to provide 58C. MS m/z=572 (MH+)

Steps 2-3

A solution of 58C (720 mg, 1.3 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was treated with BH₃—SMe₂ (5 mL, 2 M in THF) and heated at 80° C. for 12 h. After it was cooled to 25° C., MeOH (15 mL) was added dropwise until bubbling ceased. The solvent was removed and partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was stirred in DCM/TFA (1:3, 5 mL) at 25° C. for 4 h. Solvent was removed and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic phase was dried and concentrated. Column chromatography and preparative TLC (DCM containing 5% of 7N NH₃/MeOH) gave 58. MS m/z=316 (MH+).

Preparative Example 59

In a manner similar to that described in Example 3 (Step 4 then Steps 1-2), methyl 2-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzoate was sequentially hydrogenated, treated with chloroacetylchloride, and reduced with BH₃—SMe₂ to yield compound 59A.

Step 4

Compound 59A was treated with 4-imidazolecarboxaldehyde to afford the title compound 59 in a manner similar to that described in Example 3 (Step 3). MS m/z=274 (MH+).

Preparative Example 60

A mixture of LiBH₄ (44 mg, 2 mmol) and 59A (400 mg, 2 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was stirred at RT for 4 h and then concentrated. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to give 60A (300 mg, 91%).

Compound 60A was converted to 60 in a manner similar to that described in Example 3 (Step 3). MS m/z=246 (MH+).

Preparative Example 61

To 2-chloro-5-hydroxypyridine (61A) in acetone (80 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (8.96 g, 65 mmol) and methylchloroacetate (2.54 mL, 29 mmol). The mixture was heated at 60° C. for 4 h. After cooling to RT, the mixture was filtered, and the solids were washed with acetone (50 mL). The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to give 4.3 g intermediate (92% yield). The intermediate (4.3 g, 21.3 mmol) was dissolved in CHCl₃ (75 mL) and treated with m-chloroperbenzoic acid (4.78 g, 27.7 mmol). The resulting solution was heated at 50° C. for 4 h, then stirred at RT overnight. The mixture was treated with sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Flash column chromatography (5%-10% MeOH in DCM) provided 61B (3.46 g, 75%).

The N-oxide 61B (1.0 g, 4.61 mmol) was dissolved in H₂SO₄ (2 mL) at 0° C. HNO₃ (1 mL) was added slowly over several minutes. The reaction mixture was then placed in an oil bath heated to 40° C. The temperature was slowly raised to 75° C. over 1 h and then maintained there for 2 h. The mixture was then poured over ice and adjusted to pH 9 by the addition of 50% NaOH. Water was removed in vacuo, and the resultant solids were washed with MeOH to yield crude nitro pyridine N-oxide intermediate (2.6 g). A portion of this intermediate (1.33 g, 5.3 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (50 mL) and treated with H₂SO₄ (1 mL). The mixture was heated at 70° C. for 2 h and then concentrated. The residue was treated with 1N NaOH (20 mL) and EtOAc (50 mL). The solution was extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give compound 61C (1.4 g, 100%).

A mixture of 61C (0.06 g, 0.23 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) was treated with iron powder (0.09 g, 1.61 mmol) and HOAC (0.08 mL). The resulting solution was heated at 70° C. for 4 h. The hot solution was filtered through a pad of celite and concentrated. The residue was taken up in MeOH (2 mL) and treated with K₂CO₃ (0.073 g, 0.53 mmol). After heating at 65° C. for 2 h, the solvent was removed in vacuo and the product purified by preparative TLC (5% MeOH in DCM) to give compound 61D (0.032 g, 76%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3 (Step 2) and Example 5 (Step 1), compound 61D was reduced and protected to give compound 61E.

A mixture of 61E (0.250 g, 0.91 mmol), benzophenoneimine (0.152 mL, 0.91 mmol), tris(dibenzylideneacetone dipalladium(0) (0.004 g, 0.0045 mmol), rac-2,2′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthalene (0.004 g, 0.007 mmol), and NaOtBu (0.088 g, 0.91 mmol) in toluene (8 mL) in a culture tube was heated in a rotating oven at 80° C. overnight. After cooling to RT, the contents were transferred to a round-bottomed flask and treated with several scoops of silica gel. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product purified by flash column chromatography (10% to 50% EtOAc-hexanes) to give 61F (0.205 g, 54%).

A mixture of 61F (0.205 g, 0.5 mmol) in THF (4 mL) was treated with 15% aqueous citric acid solution (4 mL). The resulting solution was stirred at RT overnight. Saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (5 mL) was added and the solution was extracted with EtOAc (2×25 mL). The organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The product was purified by flash column chromatography (10% to 50% EtOAc-hexanes) to give 61G (0.114 g, 91%).

In a manner similar to that found in Example 3 (Step 5), Example 5 (Step 4) and Example 3 (Step 3), compound 61G was sequentially treated with ClCO₂Me, deprotected and converted the title compound 61. MS m/z=290 (MH+).

Preparative Example 62

A slurry of 38 in anhydrous DCE (4 ml) and anhydrous THF (4 ml) was treated with anhydrous TEA (0.2 ml) followed by benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.070 mL). After 2 h at RT, additional benzenesulfonyl (0.2 mL) was added. The mixture was stirred for 1 h, then diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated. Preparative TLC chromatography (9% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) afforded 62 (43 mg). The following compounds were prepared following essentially the same procedure as described above. MS Cpd Structure (MH+) 100

230 101

230 102

230 103

216 104

234 105

248 106

341 107

327 108

349 109

317 110

329 111

301 112

287 113

273 114

288 115

262 116

293 117

217 118

217 119

289 120

289 121

241 122

289 123

309 124

312 125

259 126

291 127

319 128

303 129

275 130

303 131

306 132

277 133

327 134

320 135

321 136

320 137

290 138

245 139

303 140

275 141

275 142

354 143

289 144

318 145

300 146

274 147

437 148

323 149

229 150

311 151

317 152

276 153

306 154

337 155

323 156

287 157

301 158

301 159

331 160

361 161

436 162

355 163

331 164

345 165

375 166

419 167

405 168

327 169

341 170

332 171

314 172

321 173

321 174

291 175

263 176

335 177

277 178

335 179

349 180

349 181

332 182

286 183

256 184

314 185

328 186

327 187

376 188

333 189

329 190

299 191

357 192

371 193

371 194

385 195

370 196

384 197

354 198

339 199

353 200

338 201

352 202

322 203

392 204

406 205

406 206

389 207

289 208

333 209

343 210

327 211

350 212

380 213

368 214

351 215

390 216

369 217

356 218

384 219

355 220

303 221

365 222

289 223

316 224

274 225

304 226

303 227

288 228

304 229

324 230

318 231

348 232

336 233

337 234

351 235

352 236

350 237

331 238

330 239

316 240

317 241

304 242

317 243

318 244

332 245

330 246

347 247

328 248

390 249

349 250

381 251

351 252

381 253

275 254

277 255

309 256

345 257

331 258

331 259

407 260

361 261

247 262

341 263

373 264

345 265

359 266

335 267

351 268

365 269

365 270

391 271

317 272

331 Assay:

Efficacy agonist activity values (E_(max), GTPγS assay) for α2C were determined by following the general procedure detailed by Umland et. al (“Receptor reserve analysis of the human α₂c-adrenoceptor using [³⁵S]GTPγS and cAMP functional assays” European Journal of Pharmacology 2001, 411, 211-221). For the purposes of the present invention, a compound is defined to be an active agonist of the α2C receptor subtype if the compound's efficacy at the α2C receptor is ≧30% E_(max) (GTPγS assay). A compound is a functionally selective agonist of the α2C receptor subtype over the α2A receptor subtype if the compound's efficacy at the α2C receptor is ≧30% E_(max) (GTPγS assay) and its efficacy at the α2A receptor is ≧30% E_(max) (GTPγS assay).

The following compounds were evaluated to be active or functionally selective agonists of the α2C receptor subtype based on the previously defined definition: 1, 3, 3D, 3E, 5, 6, 6E, 7, 8, 9E, 9G, 9I, 9K, 9L, 9M, 9N, 9P, 9Q, 9R, 9S, 12, 13, 14, 14B, 15, 19, 19D, 20, 21, 22, 24, 24D, 25B, 26, 26A, 26B, 27E, 28, 28D, 29, 30, 37, 38, 46, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 114, 117, 124, 125, 129, 130, 132, 134, 135, 137, 139, 142, 144, 145, 148, 151, 152, 158, 159, 160, 162, 163, 164, 165, 167, 168, 169, 171, 178, 181, 218, 223, 231, 232, 235, 236, 238, 239, 240, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, and 250.

While the present invention has been described with in conjunction with the specific embodiments set forth above, many alternatives, modifications and other variations thereof will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. All such alternatives, modifications and variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A compound represented by the structural formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, wherein: A is a 5-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms, and is substituted with at least one R⁵; X is —O—, —S(O)_(p)—, or —N(R⁶)—; J¹, J², J³, and J⁴ are independently —N—, —N(O)— or —C(R²)—, provided that 0-3 of J¹, J², J³ and J⁴ are —N—; R² is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; Y is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR⁷—, C(═O)O—, —C(═NR⁷)—, —C(═NOR⁷)—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷O—, —S(O)_(p)—, SO₂NR⁷—, and —C(S)NR⁷—; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and (═O), and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵, provided that when n is 3 or 4, no more than 2 of the R³ groups may be (═O); R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and CN and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂,—NR⁷R^(7′), —SR⁷, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents; R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents, and —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁸ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′); R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R^(7′) is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; or R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl or heteroaryl ring having, in addition to the N atom, 1 or 2 additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, —N(R⁹)— and S, wherein said rings are optionally substituted by 1 to 5 independently selected R⁵ moieties, R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(O)—R¹⁰, —C(O)—OR¹⁰, and —S(O)_(p)—OR¹⁰ and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R¹¹ is a moiety independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl; m is 1-5; n is 1-3; p is 0-2; q is 0-6; and w is 0-4. with the following provisos: (a) if J¹-J⁴ are each —C(H)—, n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, A is 3H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(═O)-naphthyl; (b) if J¹-J⁴ are each —C(H)—, n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, A is 1H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —S(O₂)-naphthyl; and (c) if J¹, J², and J⁴ are each —C(H)—, J³ is —C(Br)—, n is 2, m is 1, R³ is 3-benzyl, R⁴ is H, A is 1H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(O₂)benzyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein: J¹-J⁴ are each —C(R²)—; A is a 5-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms, and is substituted with at least one R⁵; X is —O—, —S(O)_(p)—, or —N(R⁶)—; R² is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)N(R⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁷R^(7′), and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; Y is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR⁷—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═NR⁷)—, —C(═NOR⁷)—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷—, —C(═N)R⁷)NR⁷O—, —S(O)_(p)—, —SO₂NR⁷—, —C(S)NR⁷—; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), —SR⁷, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —S(O)_(p)R⁷ substituents; R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents, and —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁷ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′); R⁷is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R^(7′) is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; or R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the nitrogen atom together form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl or heteroaryl ring having, in addition to the N atom, 1 or 2 additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, —N(R⁹)— and S, wherein said rings are optionally substituted by 1 to 5 independently selected R⁵ moieties, R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(O)—R¹⁰, —C(O)—OR¹⁰, and —S(O)_(p)—OR¹⁰ and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R¹¹ is a moiety independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl; m is 1 or 2; n is 1 or 2; p is 0-2; q is 0-3; and w is 0-4.
 3. The compound of claim 2, wherein A is imidazolyl.
 4. The compound of claim 2, wherein X is —O—.
 5. The compound of claim 2, wherein X is —N(R⁶)—.
 6. A compound represented by the structural formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, wherein: X is —O—, —S(O)_(p)—, or —N(R⁶)—; J¹, J², J³, and J⁴ are independently —N—or —C(R²)—, provided that 0-3 of J¹, J², J³ and J⁴ are —N—; R² is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; Y is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR⁷—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═N)R⁷)—, —C(═NOR⁷)—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷O—, —S(O)_(p)—, —SO₂NR⁷—, and —C(S)NR⁷—; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂,—NR⁷R^(7′), —SR⁷, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents; R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents, and —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁷ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′); R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R^(7′) is independently selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; or R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl or heteroaryl ring having, in addition to the N atom, 1 or 2 additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, —N(R⁹)— and S, wherein said rings are optionally substituted by 1 to 5 independently selected R⁵ moieties, R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(O)—R¹⁰, —C(O)—OR¹⁰, and —S(O)_(p)—OR¹⁰ and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R¹¹ is a moiety independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl; m is 1-5; n is 1-3; p is 0-2; q is 0-6; z is 0-3; and w is 0-4, with the following provisos: (a) if J¹-J⁴ are each —C(H)—, n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, A is 3H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(═O)-naphthyl; (b) if J¹-J⁴ are each —C(H)—, n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, A is 1H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —S(O₂)-naphthyl; and (c) if J¹, J², and J⁴ are each —C(H)—, J³ is —C(Br)—, n is 2, m is 1, R³ is 3-benzyl, R⁴ is H, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(O₂)benzyl.
 7. A compound represented by the structural formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, wherein: R¹ is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —SR⁷—(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ _(2.), and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; X is —O—, —S(O)_(p)—, or —N(R⁶)—; Y is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR⁷—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═NR⁷)—, —C(═NOR⁷)—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷O—, —S(O)_(p)—, —SO₂NR⁷—, and —C(S)NR⁷—; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), —SR⁷, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents; R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R⁷)₂, and —SR⁷ substituents, and —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁷ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′); R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R^(7′) is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; or R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl or heteroaryl ring having, in addition to the N atom, 1 or 2 additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, —N(R⁹)— and S, wherein said rings are optionally substituted by 1 to 5 independently selected R⁵ moieties, R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(O)—R¹⁰, —C(O)—OR¹⁰, and —S(O)_(p)—OR¹⁰ and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R¹¹ is a moiety independently selected from the group consisting of H, —CN, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl; m is 1-5; n is 1-3; p is 0-2; q is 0-6; z is 0-3; and w is 0-4, with the following provisos: (a) if n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(═O)-naphthyl; and (b) if n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —S(O₂)-naphthyl. (c) if R¹ is Br, n is 2, m is 1, R³ is 3-benzyl, R⁴ is H, A is 1H-imidazol-4-yl, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(O₂)benzyl.
 8. The compound of claim 7 wherein X is —O—, n is 1, m is 1, and R⁴ is H.
 9. The compound of claim 7, wherein X is —N(R⁶)—, n is 1, m is 1, and R⁴ is H.
 10. A compound represented by the structural formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, wherein: R¹ is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —SR⁷—(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR⁷′, —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; X is —O—, —S(O)_(p)—, or —N(R⁶)—; J¹, J², and J⁴ are independently —N— or —C(R²)—, provided that 0-3 of J¹, J², and J⁴ are —N—; R² is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; Y is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR⁷—, C(═O)O—, —C(═NR⁷)—, —C(═NOR⁷)—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷O—, —S(O)_(p)—, SO₂NR⁷—, and —C(S)NR⁷—; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), —S(O)_(p)R⁷, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —S(O)_(p)R⁷ substituents; R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents, and —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁷ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′); R⁷is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R^(7′) is independently selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; or R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the nitrogen atom together form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl or heteroaryl ring having, in addition to the N atom, 1 or 2 additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, —N(R⁹)— and S, wherein said rings are optionally substituted by 1 to 5 independently selected R⁵ moieties, R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(O)—R¹⁰, —C(O)—OR¹⁰, and —S(O)_(p)—OR¹⁰ and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R¹¹ is a moiety independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl; m is 1-5; n is 1-3; p is 0-2; q is 0-6; z is 0-3; and w is 0-4, with the following provisos: (a) if J¹, J², and J⁴ are each —C(H)—, R¹ is H, n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(═O)-naphthyl; (b) if J¹, J², and j⁴ are each —C(H)—, R¹ is H, n is 1, m is 1, R⁴ is H, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —S(O₂)-naphthyl; and (c) if J¹, J², and J⁴ are each —C(H)—, R¹ is Br, n is 2, m is 1, R³ is 3-benzyl, R⁴ is H, and X is —N(R⁶)—, then R⁶ is not —C(O₂)benzyl.
 11. The compound of claim 10, wherein X is —O—, n is 1, m is 1, and R⁴ is H.
 12. The compound of claim 10, wherein X is —N(R⁶)—, n is 1, m is 1, and R⁴ is H.
 13. The compound of claim 10, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, and —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′).
 14. A compound selected from the group consisting of:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of claim 14, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle.
 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 15, further comprising one or more additional therapeutic agents.
 18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 16, further comprising one or more additional therapeutic agents.
 19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein said additional therapeutic agents are selected from the group consisting of anti-inflammatory steroids, PDE-4 inhibitors, anti-muscarinic agents, cromolyn sodium, H₁ receptor antagonists, 5-HT₁, agonists, NSAIDs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor agonists, β-blockers, β-agonists, leukotriene antagonists, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, ionotropic agents, natriuretic peptides, pain management agents, anti-anxiety agents, anti-migraine agents, and therapeutic agents suitable for treating heart conditions, psychotic disorders, and glaucoma.
 20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein said additional therapeutic agents are selected from the group consisting of steroids, PDE-4 inhibitors, anti-muscarinic agents, cromolyn sodium, H₁ receptor antagonists, 5-HT₁ agonists, NSAIDs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor agonists, β-blockers, β-agonists, leukotriene antagonists, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, ionotropic agents, natriuretic peptides, pain management agents, anti-anxiety agents, anti-migraine agents, and therapeutic agents suitable for treating heart conditions, psychotic disorders, and glaucoma.
 21. A method for selectively stimulating α2C adrenergic receptors in a cell in need thereof, comprising contacting said cell with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, wherein: A is a 5-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms, and is substituted with at least one R⁵; X is —O—, —S(O)_(p)—, or —N(R⁶)—; J¹, J², J³, and J⁴ are independently —N—, —N(O)— or —C(R²)—, provided that 0-3 of J¹, J², J³ and J⁴ are —N—; R² is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; Y is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR⁷—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═N)R⁷)—, —C(═NOR⁷)—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷O—, —S(O)_(p)—, —SO₂NR⁷—, and —C(S)NR⁷—; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and (═O), and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵, provided that when n is 3 or 4, no more than 2 of the R³ groups may be (═O); R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂,—NR⁷R^(7′)—SR⁷, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents; R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents, and —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁷ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′); R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R^(7′) is independently selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; or R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl or heteroaryl ring having, in addition to the N atom, 1 or 2 additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, —N(R⁹)— and S, wherein said rings are optionally substituted by 1 to 5 independently selected R⁵ moieties, R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(O)—R¹⁰, —C(O)—OR¹⁰, and —S(O)_(p)—OR¹⁰ and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R¹¹ is a moiety independently selected from the group consisting of H, —CN, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl; m is 1-5; n is 1-3; p is 0-2; q is 0-6; and w is 0-4.
 22. A method for treating one or more conditions associated with α2C adrenergic receptors, comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment at least one compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, wherein: A is a 5-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms, and is substituted with at least one R⁵; X is —O—, —S(O)_(p)—, or —N(R⁶)—; J¹, J², J³, and J⁴ are independently —N—, —N(O)— or —C(R²)—, provided that 0-3 of J¹, J², J³ and J⁴ are —N—; R² is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, halo, —CN, —NO₂, —(CH₂)_(q)YR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)NR⁷YR^(7′), —(CH₂)_(q)OYR⁷, —(CH₂)_(q)ON═CR⁷R^(7′), —P(═O)(OR⁷)(OR^(7′)), —P(═O)(NR⁷R^(7′))₂, —P(═O)R⁸ ₂, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; Y is selected from the group consisting of a bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR⁷—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═N)R⁷)—, —C(═NOR⁷)—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷—, —C(═NR⁷)NR⁷O—, —S(O)_(p)—, —SO₂NR⁷—, and —C(S)NR⁷—; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and (═O), and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵, provided that when n is 3 or 4, no more than 2 of the R³ groups may be (═O); R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups optionally substituted with at least one R⁵; R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂,—NR⁷R^(7′), —SR⁷, and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents; R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —NR⁷R^(7′), and —SR⁷ substituents, and —C(═O)R⁷, —C(═O)OR⁷, —C(═O)NR⁷R^(7′), —SO₂R⁷ and —SO₂NR⁷R^(7′); R⁷ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R^(7′) is independently selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; or R⁷ and R^(7′) together with the nitrogen atom together form a 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl or heteroaryl ring having, in addition to the N atom, 1 or 2 additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, —N(R⁹)— and S, wherein said rings are optionally substituted by 1 to 5 independently selected R⁵ moieties, R⁸ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R⁹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(O)—R¹⁰, —C(O)—OR¹⁰, and —S(O)_(p)—OR¹⁰ and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl groups, each of which is optionally substituted with at least one of halo, —OH, —CN, —NO₂, —N(R¹¹)₂, and —SR¹¹ substituents; R¹¹ is a moiety independently selected from the group consisting of H, —CN. alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heterocyclylalkyl; m is 1-5; n is 1-3; p is 0-2; q is 0-6; and w is 0-4.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein J¹-J⁴ are each —C(R²)—, n is 1, A is imidazolyl, and X is —O—.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein J¹-J⁴ are each —C(H)—, n is 1, A is imidazolyl, and X is —O—.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein J¹-J⁴ are each —C(R²)—, n is 1, A is imidazolyl, and X is —N(R⁶)—.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein J¹-J⁴ are each —C(R²)—, n is 1, A is imidazolyl, and X is —S(O)_(p)—.
 27. A method for treating one or more conditions associated with α2C adrenergic receptors, comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a compound of claim 14 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein the conditions are selected from the group consisting of allergic rhinitis, congestion, pain, diarrhea, glaucoma, congestive heart failure, cardiac ischemia, manic disorders, depression, anxiety, migraine, stress-induced urinary incontinence, neuronal damage from ischemia and schizophrenia.
 29. The method of claim 22, wherein the conditions are selected from the group consisting of allergic rhinitis, congestion, pain, diarrhea, glaucoma, congestive heart failure, cardiac ischemia, manic disorders, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the condition is congestion.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the condition is congestion.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the congestion is associated with perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, sinusitis, acute rhinosinusitis, or chronic rhinosinusitis.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the congestion is caused by polyps or is virally induced.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the congestion is associated with perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, sinusitis, acute rhinosinusitis, or chronic rhinosinusitis.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the congestion is caused by polyps or is virally induced.
 36. The method of claim 28, wherein the condition is pain.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the pain is associated with neuropathy, inflammation, arthritis or diabetes.
 38. The method of claim 24, wherein the condition is pain.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the pain is associated with neuropathy, inflammation, arthritis or diabetes.
 40. A compound of claim 1, in isolated and purified form.
 41. A compound of claim 1 having the formula:


42. A compound of claim 1 having the formula:


43. A compound of claim 1 having the formula:


44. A compound of claim 1 having the formula:


45. A compound of claim 1 having the formula:


46. A method for the treatment of congestion in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to a mammal an effective dose of at least one compound having adrenergic activity wherein said compound is a functionally selective agonist of the α2c receptor.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the functionally selective agonist of the α2c receptor has an efficacy that is greater than or equal to 30% E_(max) when assayed in the GTPγS assay.
 48. A method for the treatment of congestion in a mammal in need thereof without modifying the blood pressure at a therapeutic dosewhich comprises administering to the mammal an effective dose of at least one compound having adrenergic activity wherein said compound is a functionally selective agonist of the α2c receptor. 